Supply

Analyst: iPhone 5 order cut no cause for alarm

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Quit your worrying. In short, that's what one analyst Wednesday is telling nervous observers concerned over a report that Apple reduced orders for the iPhone 5 during the March quarter.

Instead, the reduction in orders could signal a more efficient supply stream and greater profit for investors.

As we reported earlier this week, Citi's Glen Yeung kicked off the hand-wringing by downgrading Apple stock to 'Neutral' from 'Buy', citing increased competition and the lower iPhone 5 orders. Other Wall Street analysts piled on, cutting their price targets for shares of the iPhone maker. Now J P Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz is the latest to say the reduced orders may not mean lower demand for the new Apple handset...

Apple said to be moving up next-gen iPad mini production

Cody Lee ∙ December 19, 2012

Folks who skipped out on the first version of the iPad mini will be happy to hear that they may not have to wait a whole 12 months for the second generation of the tablet to appear. According to a new report today, component-makers for the next-gen mini are preparing for an earlier-than-expected launch...

Apple now tracking working hours for more than a million supply chain employees

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

It seems like for every report we hear that conditions are getting better in Apple's supply chain factories, there's another one that dispels the notion. Last week, French reporters snuck inside Foxconn's Zhengzhou plant, and things still looked pretty grim.

But that doesn't mean that Apple's not trying though. As proof of that, Apple has updated the supplier responsibility page on its website today to show that it is now personally tracking working hours for more than a million supply chain employees...

Improving iPhone 5 production expected to increase Apple’s profits

Ed Sutherland ∙ December 4, 2012

The picture appears brighter for Apple's iPhone 5. Not only is the new smartphone easier to find in stores, it's also the top searched for gadget in 2012 and looks to be off to a great start in China. Now, improving supplies is reducing cost and increasing profitability for Apple, one analyst said Tuesday. A smoother supply chain has meant shipping time cut in half to just two days, down from four. Additionally, the improvements come as Apple preps to offer its handset in more than 50 countries during December...

Apple picks new battery supplier, drops Samsung

Ed Sutherland ∙ November 23, 2012

Apple has chosen two China-based battery companies to supply the iPad and MacBook, says a Friday report. Amperex Technology Limited and Tianjin Lishen Battery would replace Samsung SDI, a subsidiary of the South Korean firm that is both Apple's chief rival and largest supplier. The report is just the latest indicating Samsung and Apple are reconsidering their close relationship.

As the two smartphone giants attempt to out-compete each other in the courtroom and store shelves, Samsung's role appears to be shifting from major supplier to important manufacturer...

Apple catching up to iPhone 5 demand at US Apple Stores

Ed Sutherland ∙ November 9, 2012

After Foxconn admitted to falling behind iPhone 5 orders, it seems that supply of Apple's popular handset is finally catching up with demand. That's the word from one veteran Apple watcher who told investors Friday that inventory of the smartphone at Apple's brick-and-mortar stores are at their highest level yet. For the first time, availability of iPhone 5 models for AT&T, Verizon and Sprint customers topped 20 percent.

The iPhone 5 version for Sprint remains the most available, with 84 percent of Apple Stores reporting inventory for that model. The AT&T version followed with 54 percent and Verizon with 24 percent, according to a Wall Street survey conducted by Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster...

Apple and MFi makers: Lightning is waterproof, ethical accessories

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 8, 2012

We relayed word mid-October that Apple would hold a two-day discussion with third-parties in Shenzhen, China the following month in order to discuss terms an guidelines pertaining to Lightning-compatible accessories that bear the Made for iPhone / iPod / iPad (MFi) program logo. In spite of secrecy, one publication has learned a few topics that are being discussed at the meeting.

For starters, Lightning I/O is waterproof. So, knowing the dynamically assigned pins of the Lightning connector won't corrode or degrade if dunked into water should make you feel good. I'm just taking a wild guess here, but it's quite possible Apple made this move to appease a cottage industry around waterproof accessories. More tidbits below the fold...

Suppliers profit up 29% on new Apple product launches

Ed Sutherland ∙ November 8, 2012

A high tide lifts all ships, especially if it is Apple. That's the word today from one observer who says Apple suppliers are enjoying a 29 percent profit boost due to "blockbuster new products" recently released. Apple's key suppliers saw their profits increase dramatically compared to the usual (and paltry) two percent growth and much higher than September's tepid one percent increase, Wall Street analyst Brian White told investors Thursday. The reason: Apple's line of new products, including the iPad mini, iPhone 5, a thinner iMac lineup and refreshed MacBooks...

Analyst: iPhone 5 availability improving, 46.5M iPhones sales in December

Ed Sutherland ∙ November 8, 2012

The future is looking up for consumers hoping to lay their hands on an iPhone 5. After doubts arose over whether suppliers could meet high demand for Apple's new handset, a Wall Street observer told investors Thursday the situation has "much improved" since September. Stern Agee analyst Shaw Wu believes the Cupertino, California company will sell 46.5 million smartphones in the December quarter, a huge increase from September's 26.9 million iPhones shipped...

LG Display beats Samsung handily for Apple display orders

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 25, 2012

According to a new supply chain report, LG Display beat its arch-rival Samsung for display panel orders and has now become the primary supplier of screens that Apple uses to build virtually all of its recently refreshed products.

Specifically, LG Display is said to provide panels for the new iPad mini, fourth-generation iPad with Retina display, 13-inch MacBook Pro and both 21.5 and 27-inch revamped iMac models. This is of particular interest to would-be shoppers eyeing the iPad mini because "frustrated suppliers", per one analyst, previously had issues meeting Apple's exacting standards...