Dive Brief:
- A supply chain report from Digitimes alleges that all three new release iPhones are currently in volume production preceding the September launch, 9to5mac reported.
- According to Mashable, nearly every iPhone 8 feature has been targeted as the possible cause of the delay, from the Wireless Charger to the Touch ID to the OLED display.
- While iPhone 8s are expected to be initially limited availability, no shortage of the iPhone 7s/Plus is likely.
Dive Insight:
Speculation abounds regarding the release date of Apple's new iPhone 7s/Plus and 8 models, with various sources contradicting each other in a rush to get the last word. What is clear, however, is that Apple may offer a limited release of the iPhone 8 due to supply chain problems.
As previously reported, Apple's lawsuit with Qualcomm trickled down to slow iPhone production, and struggles with Apple supplier Samsung Display resulted in an OLED shortage for iPhone 8 production. Now we're seeing the fruits of these supply chain struggles, and it means fewer iPhone 8 models will be released.
This may be seen as a warning sign to other manufacturers: strained supplier relationships can hamper production and new product releases, which can damage consumer expectations. While this setback may not dent Apple's bottom line or even change the official release date for the new iPhone models, other manufacturers may not be so lucky and could suffer serious losses if they allow supplier relationships and standards to deteriorate, or if they don't develop backup plans when suppliers don't deliver.
