iPhone 13 could face stock shortage — Apple's biggest partner issues warning

iPhone 13 could face stock shortage — Apple's biggest partner issues alarm

(Paradigm credit: EverythingApplePro)

We could exist just weeks away from the iPhone xiii's reveal, only whether or not that's true, there could be bad news for the supply of Apple tree'due south latest smartphone.

This comes from Foxconn, the Taiwanese contract manufacturer that has produced every iPhone handset to date. It appear in a new quarterly report that although it was enjoying a 30% boost in profit, it was too preparing for potential supply chain disruption, one which could affect the production of the next iPhone.

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The alarm for shortages is based on rising COVID-nineteen cases throughout Asia, reported Reuters. The disruptions that could be acquired past closures and lockdowns would then fuel the ongoing global chip shortage, which has left manufacturers scrabbling for a limited number of components.

While Foxconn'south chairman, Liu Young-way, said the shortage had affected the visitor, he besides explained that the influence of its clients, presumably including Apple, had helped it secure parts. He also warned that the shortage could final until quarter 2 of next year, which could mean disruptions to upcoming devices beyond the iPhone 13.

To quote Liu from Reuters:

"The epidemic situation appears to be worsening in Asia," he said. "Considering Asia is the key global hub for ICT components, it needs to be closely watched whether the epidemic volition have an impact to the overall supply concatenation," he said, referring to the supply chain for tech products."

Apple tree itself had already warned of the impact of the global chip shortage to Mac and iPad production earlier this year, and how this would begin to impact iPhones later in the year. With the iPhone likely debuting next month, it could mean we see the reveal date, retail launch or both pushed back to give Apple the best chance of meeting the likely high need. Otherwise, Apple will have to confront a lot of aroused customers who can't detect the iPhone 13 in stock.

New iPhone 13 photographic camera assembly method?

Foxconn is expected to produce effectually three-quarters of Apple's iPhone stock each year, according to analyst firm Fubon Securities. And based on a report by The Elec (via 9to5Mac), Apple tree's also tasking Foxconn with a new job that should help salvage it coin.

That job is assembling the iPhone's photographic camera modules, for which Foxconn has just bought new inspection equipment, as the Elec discovered. Previously, the report states, Apple bought the dual- and triple-camera arrays as complete units from companies like LG and Sharp. Nether the new system, the cameras would arrive separately at Foxconn where they would then be put together.

Apple appears to be cutting costs here, and assuming it doesn't make the terminate production worse, this could exist a good thing for the customer. Mayhap Apple tree volition be using these newly realized funds to pay for the iPhone thirteen'south new rumored features. These include 120Hz refresh rate displays on the two iPhone 13 Pro models, an ever-on display, a smaller Confront ID notch and larger batteries beyond all iv versions.

More: Google Pixel six photographic camera specs may accept been revealed by Google's own app

Richard is a Tom's Guide staff author based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, gaming, audio and whatever else people demand communication on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the Academy of Sheffield, he'southward also written for WIRED U.Thou., The Register and Artistic Bloq. When not at piece of work, he's likely thinking well-nigh how to brew the perfect loving cup of specialty coffee.