DigiTimes reports Apple is adding Wistron as an assembly partner for the much-rumored “iPhone 5se.” While Foxconn will still assemble the majority of the new units of the 4-inch new device, Apple is said to be adding the secondary supplier in a move to make sure manufacturing the new phone goes as smoothly as possible.
DigiTimes:
Apple has been trying to separate its orders to different ODMs to avoid risks. In February 2015, the vendor added Compal Electronics as an iPad mini manufacturer, and Wistron to conduct iPhone touch panel lamination, and has recently outsourced a small portion of its new 4-inch iPhone orders to Wistron, looking to nurture Wistron to become an iPhone assembly house, according to some market watchers.
The report also indicates Foxconn and Wistron will share duties for the yet to be announced 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus, while Foxconn and Pegatron will share production of the expected 4.7-inch iPhone 7. The moves are seen as an attempt on Apple’s part to lessen the threat to iPhone production, in the event of faulty components and other possible production roadblocks.
The new, smaller iPhone is expected to be similar in appearance to the iPhone 5s, but will boast the same curved glass cover as the iPhone 6s, an A9 processor, and an 8-megapixel back-facing camera.
Apple is expected to introduce the 4-inch entry level device at a still-unannounced March 15 media event, alongside a new iPad Air 3 tablet, and new band options for the Apple Watch. The new products could hit store shelves as soon as March 18.
(Via MacRumors)
