Wayne Ma: Display Manufacturing Problems Might Lead to Shortages of iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

Wayne Ma, reporting for The Information (paywalled):

The iPhone 15 Pro, internally codenamed D83, and Pro Max, codenamed D84, are now in a manufacturing stage known as risk ramp in which Foxconn Technology, which does final assembly of the phones, makes hundreds of thousands of units of the device to test how reliably they can build the product without defects. Apple traditionally moves to mass production, where it begins making millions of iPhone units, in August. The phones typically start to ship to customers in late September.

One person with direct knowledge said the LG-made displays have failed reliability tests after it goes through a new process known as low injection pressure overmolding or LIPO. The process involves Apple fusing the display into its metal shell prior to assembly. Apple is repeatedly tweaking the design of LG’s display so that it can pass the tests.

However, Apple still can use displays made by its leading supplier Samsung, ensuring that it can continue to assemble a significant amount of units.

What going legit was to Michael Corleone, breaking free of dependence upon Samsung is to Tim Cook: “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

★ Thursday, 20 July 2023