Here’s why jet black iPhone 7 is impossible to find

By

Making the jet black iPhone ain't easy.
Making the jet black iPhone ain't easy.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s new jet black iPhone 7 is nearly impossible to find at stores, and the shortage isn’t going to get better anytime soon, according to one of the most accurate Apple analysts in the game.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo told investors in a research note today that Apple is having trouble with production of the jet black cases.

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

Kuo claims Apple is currently only able to use 60 percent to 70 percent of the cases produced, because the jet black finish is much more difficult to pull off than the anodized finished of the other colors.

A substantial number of cases don’t meet quality standards for the jet black finish, which is already susceptible to scratches.

Apple had to create an entirely new process to produce the high-gloss black finish, which is why it’s so hard for manufacturers to get their yield rates up.

Adding to the supply problems, the jet black color is the most popular among iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus preorders, according to a KGI Securities survey. Apple simply can’t make enough units fast enough.

Apple launched the iPhones in 28 countries at the same time this year, compared to just 12 simultaneous countries in 2015. If you order an iPhone 7 Plus in jet black now, the soonest Apple expects it to ship will be November.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbios0u2Px8

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.