Reuters News Service is reporting that problems with the screen for the new iPhone 6 required a redesign late in the development process, and that suppliers are scrambling to produce enough screens to meet the expected demand at product launch.Two different sources have said that Apple decided, late in the development process, to redesign the screen backlight assembly in order to make the screen assembly thinner. That change delayed screen production for two months this summer. When tested, the new backlight design was found to be too dim, forcing Apple's suppliers to go back to the prior, thicker design, causing still further manufacturing delays.
According to these sources, the screen is now back in production, and suppliers are working overtime to try to meet the demand for the parts. It is not clear whether these issues will delay availability of the device, or limit the initial supply of devices. With Samsung, Sony, Motorola, and Microsoft all releasing new devices in September, any delays could be harmful to Apple's bottom line.Problems with the 5.5 inch iPhone 6's touchscreen, unrelated to the backlight issues, were reported earlier this year, and caused delays in production of the phablet version of the iPhone 6. There have been reports that the larger version could be delayed until next year as a result.
According to these sources, the screen is now back in production, and suppliers are working overtime to try to meet the demand for the parts. It is not clear whether these issues will delay availability of the device, or limit the initial supply of devices. With Samsung, Sony, Motorola, and Microsoft all releasing new devices in September, any delays could be harmful to Apple's bottom line.Problems with the 5.5 inch iPhone 6's touchscreen, unrelated to the backlight issues, were reported earlier this year, and caused delays in production of the phablet version of the iPhone 6. There have been reports that the larger version could be delayed until next year as a result.