Apple to Start Trial Production of New iPhones Earlier to Avoid Delays

[Maura]

According to a new report from DigiTimes, via MacRumors, Apple is set to start trial production of this year’s rumoured three new iPhones in the second quarter of 2018 in a bid to avoid the supply bottlenecks that caused low yield rates for 3D sensor module production for the iPhone X last year.

Sources in Apple’s supply chain told DigiTimes that by choosing to fast-track trial production this year, Apple will be able to ensure that delivery schedules are on target, with more than adequate supplies ready to fulfil as many pre-orders as possible.

The sources also said that while iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X sales were “lower than expected,” starting production earlier for this year’s iPhone line-up should mean that Apple can “rekindle” its momentum in the smartphone market. And the prospects do indeed look good for this, the source says that Apple’s supply chain partners are “generally more optimistic” about iPhone orders this year.

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Source: Apple Expected to Trial Production of 2018 iPhone Lineup Earlier to Avoid Last Year's Supply Bottleneck