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Apple Continues to Diversify Suppliers Ahead of iPhone 14 Launch

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Apple has added to its list of suppliers for the iPhone 14 series in a bid to avoid potential supply chain shortages when mass production of the devices begins, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iPhone 14 Pro Lineup Feature Purple
In a series of tweets, Kuo said components from SG Micro have passed quality certification for the high-end iPhone 14 models, meaning the Chinese company has been greenlighted to supply components for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

SG Micro specializes in integrated circuits, and Apple will use its power management integrated circuitry in the upcoming iPhones. Kuo notes that this is the first time SG Micro has provided components for high-end iPhones, implying that its technical capabilities have reached the "tier-1 level" required for use in premium consumer electronics.

Kuo recently said that some iPhone 14 components such as display panels are facing supply chain issues, but the analyst believes the issues will have a limited impact on upcoming mass production of iPhone 14 models, which are expected to be announced in September.

The lineup is expected to include the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max, but there will be no "mini" device this year.

Tag: Ming-Chi Kuo
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

B
BootsWalking
51 months ago
In a series of tweets, Kuo said components from SG Micro have passed quality certification for the high-end iPhone 14 models, meaning the Chinese company has been greenlighted to supply components for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

That's like McDonald's diversifying its menu by adding an extra-large fries to it.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I
ian87w
51 months ago

So they are saying a company which before made not so great integrated circuits now just about makes better ones, hence loads of iPhone 14 Pros will have kinda okay integrated circuits, a test for SG Micro to get it right. Nothing like gambling your flagship phones on a new supplier in the mix, rather than long established companies known for their quality in your top of the line range, rather than using SG Micro as a test bed in your non pro line up just to be cautious. Yep that seems totally logical...
Well, if something went wrong, Apple can simply say the user is using the phone wrong and deny anything. And then silently release a repair program for specific small set of batches for 2 years (typical Applecare length, so nobody would benefit beyond the standard warranty). While the money is pouring in, expense is minimized, while future profit is increased through customers wanting repairs beyond the repair program and customers upgrading sooner than they planned.

Isn't Tim Cook smart?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
robd003
51 months ago
Apple really needs to diversify their manufacturing outside of China. They could be building products in the rest of Southeast Asia so they aren't at the mercy of a single government.

I'd be willing to pay an extra $200 - $300 for my Mac if they had a Made in the USA option available.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
F
flofixer
51 months ago
I hope this doesn't cause another "does my phone have the samsung or tsmc chip?" issue.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
CarAnalogy
51 months ago

Well, if something went wrong, Apple can simply say the user is using the phone wrong and deny anything. And then silently release a repair program for specific small set of batches for 2 years (typical Applecare length, so nobody would benefit beyond the standard warranty). While the money is pouring in, expense is minimized, while future profit is increased through customers wanting repairs beyond the repair program and customers upgrading sooner than they planned.

Isn't Tim Cook smart?
Well I gotta say when my AirPods Pro developed an issue suspiciously like this, they launched a repair program for three years from date of purchase, and I got mine replaced with no hassle other than having to go to the Apple Store.

Granted they didn't publicize the program at all, I only knew about it because of good ol' MacRumors.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
Apple Core
51 months ago

Apple really needs to diversify their manufacturing outside of China. They could be building products in the rest of Southeast Asia so they aren't at the mercy of a single government.

I'd be willing to pay an extra $200 - $300 for my Mac if they had a Made in the USA option available.
Agree 100%! Scary how the second most valuable company in the world depend solely on China. Tim Cook should be fired.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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