14 DAY TRIAL // The iPhone 8 will see daylight next week at a September 12 event at the Apple Park, but while Cupertino plans to introduce the device together with the more subtly improved iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, the anniversary model is very likely to be delayed by approximately one month.
A report from the Wall Street Journal reveals that the iPhone 8 launch could be affected by “extended supply shortfalls and shipping delays,” partially because of what are described as production glitches.
iPhone 8 production is said to be approximately one month behind, and even though new iPhones are typically released in small numbers, Apple might have to hold back the anniversary model and bring it to the market after the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus.
According to the cited source, Foxconn, which is in charge of iPhone 7 manufacturing in Zhengzhou, China, is paying bonuses to employees who bring in more temporary workers to help with the production process at the local plant. The facility already employs 250,000 workers after the company increased production, but more staff is needed to meet the capacity requested by Apple.
The Touch ID fiasco
One reason why the iPhone 8 production started later than usual concerns the position of the fingerprint reader, the WSJ says, as Apple originally planned to embed it into the screen, but failed to do so and turned to plan B.
This involves removing the sensor completely and instead relying on facial recognition cameras and passwords, but the late decision pushed back the start of the production process and could in the end affect iPhone 8 shipping times.
Furthermore, it appears that Apple’s OLED displays, which will be manufactured by Samsung, come with the display itself and the touch panel separated and connected with more layers of adhesive and protective films. Samsung typically manufactures an integrated module that includes both the display and the touch panel, so Apple’s approach is requiring more production time, hence the possible delay.
The same report also reiterates that the cheapest iPhone 8 would be available for approximately $1,000, but says nothing about the storage options that would be released and consequently increase the final price. Rumor has it the top iPhone 8 could cost around $1,200 with 512GB storage.
Full details about the iPhone 8 will be revealed next week at Apple’s event, including pricing and availability.