Apple and the companies assembling the iPhone 15 reportedly worked through all the significant production problems they faced making the next iOS handsets. They supposedly faced issues with the cameras, LCDs, batteries and titanium frame in upcoming models
After clearing those hurdles, the four models in the iPhone 15 series are now set for the launch that’s almost certainly happening in September.
iPhone 15 production problems are a thing of the past
The time between Apple announcing each new iPhone and releasing it to customers is typically only a few days, so assembly of the handsets needs to begin weeks earlier. Early in that process, the companies involved must overcome problems that crop up in turning collections of components into working computers. The iPhone 15 series is no different.
Some of the challenges assembling Apple’s next models were solved by making more of certain components that weren’t working as they should so the bad units could be rejected. That’s the case for a stacked camera sensor, batteries and the iPhone 15 Pro models’ new titanium frame, according to a note to investors by Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with TF International Securities.
The record-breakingly thin bezels in this year’s Pro models reportedly caused problems for LG, one of the two companies supplying screens for the handsets. The solution, according to Kuo, was to source more panels from Samsung, which apparently encountered fewer problems.
Apple’s relatively late decision to drop solid-state buttons from the iPhone 15 Pro design in favor of traditional ones also reportedly caused some assembly challenges.
All of these production problems have now been solved in one way or another, according to Kuo.
Don’t procrastinate on iPhone 15 Pro Max
Still, the problems could make it difficult to find an iPhone 15 Pro Max on launch day. “The Pro Max project was the last to kick off, so mass production schedule lags behind other models,” Kuo warned.
Add in the fact that the iPhone 14 Pro Max became the world’s most popular smartphone over the past year, and early demand for the 15 Pro Max might quickly exceed the supply available at launch.
Anyone eager to get Apple’s top-of-the-line new model shouldn’t procrastinate on putting in a preorder as soon after the announcement as possible.
iPhone is not made in China
Technically, iPhone 15 production began months ago. Companies around the world create the components before shipping them to the companies that will assemble the devices.
As just a few examples, TSMC makes the primary processors, Broadcom supplies networking ships, LG and Samsung make the LCDs, and Corning produces the screen covers. None of these components come from China.
They are shipped to Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron factories in either China or India. There, legions of workers assemble the devices. Later, the smartphones will make their way to customers.
Exactly what features the iPhone 15 series will offer will be announced at Apple’s “Wonderlust” event on September 12.
