Apple adds second supplier for iPhone 7 Plus

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iPhone 6 Plus_7
Apple is expanding its number of iPhone suppliers.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple has reportedly added Wistron as a supplier for its upcoming next-gen iPhone 7 Plus: the 5.5-inch handset we’re expecting to arrive this September.

Although the companies in question haven’t officially confirmed it, Wistron and Foxconn are said to be sharing orders for the plus-sized phone, while Pegatron and Foxconn will split orders for the smaller-size 4.7-inch iPhone 7.

Apple is broadening its supply chain by handing component orders to multiple suppliers as a way of lowering risk while also maximizing profits in the process.

Wistron, especially, has benefited from Apple’s focus on taking on new suppliers. Previously it has won orders to build Apple’s iPhone 5c, 4-inch iPhone SE and panel lamination for the iPod touch, but working on the iPhone 7 Plus will be Apple’s biggest show of faith in the company yet.

Wistron chairman Simon Lin recently said the supplier had 5 percent revenue growth in 2015, although operating and net profits fell dramatically as it was hit by weakening demand for notebooks and LCD TVs. It is hoped that building iPhones for Apple will have a big impact on the company’s bottom line.

While presumably giving Apple a bit more negotiating power with rival suppliers, too.

Source: Digitimes

 

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