Despite persistent rumors that Apple was experiencing production delays with its upcoming “iPhone 8,” a new report indicates everything is on schedule for a September debut, and the new device will be in users’ hot little hands in October.
Previously, we’ve seen reports that Apple would be hard pressed to meet the usual fall release deadline for its new flagship device.
Japanese site Mac Otakara earlier this year suggested the “iPhone 8” would launch “very much” behind the the LCD models, while KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will debut the OLED iPhone in September, but the device will face “severe supply shortages” until as late as October-November, two months later than previous ramp-ups in August-September. Similar delayed production rumors have been circulated by analysts and media outlets in recent months.
However, the Economic Daily News claimed on Monday there will be no launch delay for the next-generation handset.
Upstream to downstream suppliers in the iPhone supply chains, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), SLP (substrate-like PCB) makers Zhen Ding Technology and Kinsus Interconnect Technology, and battery supplier Simplo Technology, are ready to ramp up related iPhone parts starting June.
TSMC will begin to fabricate the wafer starts needed for the production of A11 processors on June 10 and to deliver the chips in volume quantity in the second half of July, the report indicated.
All companies are reportedly getting up to speed on production of their components, and iPhone assembly partners Foxconn, Winston, and Pegatron are said to be recruiting and hiring new workers in their Chinese plants, preparing to assemble the devices.
As is the norm for reports like these, nothing is set in concrete, and we won’t know exactly what Apple’s plans are for their upcoming flagship handset until an official announcement is made, likely in September.
