Apple iPhone X supply is reportedly lower due to shortages of several components including circuit boards, wide-angle camera and the depth-sensing infrared dot projector. Apple suppliers are likely to ramp up production only in November.
Apple iPhone X, the redesigned iPhone with an edge-to-edge display and new facial recognition system called Face ID will go on sale from November 3. The smartphone is expected to be available in limited quantities due to supply constraints and KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says only 2-3 million units will be shipped for sale before the launch. The pre-orders for the device open from October 27.
According to Kuo, the delay in supply is due to shortages of several components including iPhone X circuit boards, wide-angle camera and the depth-sensing infrared dot projector. Kuo previously noted that Apple suppliers are having difficulties ramping up production due to supply constraints and production of 3D sensor. This new report notes that the flexible printed circuit board for the antenna system is the biggest hurdle for iPhone X shipments right now.
9to5Mac reports citing Kuo's analysis that Apple has switched to a new supplier for the manufacturing of antenna boards for the first few months. The wide-angle camera is considered to be the second biggest reason for the delay in shipments. Apple is said to be using different PCBs for the wide-angle lens and telephoto lens and suppliers are having difficulties manufacturing them in volume.
Most recent reports suggested that more people in the US are buying iPhone 7 than iPhone 8 while many others are holding out for iPhone X. While Apple generally sells over 10 million iPhones during the first weekend alone, it is likely to miss that supercycle this year. The iPhone X manufacturers are expected to be able to expand production in November. However, the availability of iPhone X is said to be limited until early next year.
Apple iPhone X is the first major design in nearly four years, featuring bezel-less design and OLED display. The smartphone skips Touch ID in favour of new facial recognition system combining dot projector for more safer face unlock experience. The iPhone X starts at $999 and will be available in only two storage options. Kuo has earlier predicted that iPhone X demand could reach 50 million units but has lowered the number to 25–30 million units in the fourth quarter of this year.
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