As scheduled for release in September... the launch schedule for the basic iPhone seems likely to be adjusted.
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According to TheElec's investigation of Apple supply chain officials in Korea and Taiwan on the 24th, Apple has finalized major specifications such as the foldable iPhone's display, case, and component parts, and has entered the mass production preparation stage. Foxconn will be responsible for the initial production volume. A first trial production was conducted last April, and mass production is expected to begin around the end of July.
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Apple's foldable iPhone will use a foldable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel supplied by Samsung Display, as well as hinge modules, cover glass, and component parts. Recently, Samsung Display received initial production volume approval for foldable OLED modules from its Vietnam factory from Apple. Mass production preparation has been completed up to the module stage, where driving circuits and flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs), and protective components are attached to the OLED panel.
Hinge modules for the foldable iPhone will be supplied by Taiwan's Shin Jushin and US Amphenol. They will supply hinge modules using a 3D printing method. The hinge determines the opening and closing feel, crease at the fold, and durability when folding and unfolding the screen. As it is a component not found in general bar-type smartphones, it determines the completion level of foldable products.
It is also said that there were hinge-related problems during the actual development process. A Taiwanese industry official said, "After durability tests at the millions of cycles level, some noise occurred in the hinge," and added, "In some assembly processes, the tolerance was larger than expected, resulting in a slightly higher defect rate." They continued, "Currently, most of these issues have been resolved."
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Apple is also expected to adjust its iPhone launch strategy. With the addition of the foldable model, the center of attention at the September new product launch event is likely to shift to the Pro lineup and the foldable model, and the standard model may be released separately.
An Apple supply chain official said, "This year's release will focus on the Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra (foldable)," and added, "With the addition of the foldable iPhone, the basic model in the existing iPhone lineup is likely to be delayed until next spring."
Source : TheElec(https://www.thelec.kr)
▶ Original source: https://www.thelec.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=58537
