On Tuesday, a new report by Nikkei Asian Review claims Apple might have some trouble launching the iPhone 8 on time. OLED display shortages might push back the manufacturing and release schedule of the new handset as far as November.
The rumors come just after the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, two premium Android devices that also pack OLED screens. Apple is expected to follow the same steps as Samsung and go even a little further, with a display that takes the entire front of the phone.
Other than that, the Cupertino-based company is also dealing with unexpected supply issues of other components, according to reports. The South Korean tech giant is expected to release the Galaxy Note 8 around the same date as the iPhone 8.
Samsung is having trouble complying with Apple’s requests
Apple’s upcoming iPhones are rumored to bring even more innovation than the last generation. With curved 5.8-inch OLED displays, 3D sensing cameras, and new A11 chips, the handsets are having some trouble with all the new tech.
First, Samsung is now one of the main OLED panel suppliers for Apple, with the two companies recently striking a two-year deal, according to reports. Over 90 million panels, many of which will be iPhone 8 screens, are to be mass-produced under the agreement.
The thing is Cupertino has very rigorous design standards, as you might have learned over the last couple of years with every device unveiling event and hands-on experience.
The tech giant reportedly plans on an edge-to-edge screen that also has a virtual Home button like the iPhone 7. Moreover, the button is expected to have an embedded fingerprint scanner, all of which must be integrated into the OLED panel.
Analysts claim the new iPhone will be a hot gadget, so popular in fact that it could sell at least 60 million units this year alone. Apple’s design requirements, however, are making it hard for Samsung to deliver on that number.
Besides the supply shortage, Apple needs more time to work on the iPhone’s new features
Earlier reports by KGI’s analyst Ming-Chi Kuo surfaced on Monday, claiming other providers might also be understocked on parts that are vital to the iPhone’s performance.
There are, apparently, limited quantities of new A11 chips and 3D touch modules for the upcoming phones. The 3D sensing cameras that are said to empower further AI capabilities in the iPhone are also not so abundant.
Apple is reportedly planning on adding wireless charging to this generation of iPhones, but that feature is proving troublesome as it brings overheating issues that have yet to be resolved. All this new tech may ramp up the price of the device up to $1,000.
All in all, the company’s schedule pins the ideal reveal and release date of the iPhone 8 in September. However, all these obstacles along the way may force it to push back for an October –November launch.
Source: 9 to 5 Mac / Nikkei Asian Review