Apple reportedly making ‘a few hundred’ foldable iPhones per day

Apple is expected to announce new iPhones at its Sept. 9 event, including the long-rumoured foldable iPhone Ultra. However, with the reveal just days away, the company is reportedly facing production hurdles with the foldable.

According to details covered by Nikkei Asia (via MacRumors), Apple was only managing to produce “a few hundred units a day” of its foldable just last month. Nikkei cited supply chain sources, noting that Apple’s high quality standards are at least partially responsible.

We’ve known that Apple has had foldable challenges for a while, particularly around the hinge and display. However, those problems were thought to be resolved after Apple raised its production order from around 7 to 8 million to 10 million units for the year, and the foldable was thought to be on track for September.

But now, the company reportedly ordered additional verification in August to ensure the device can be mass-produced as specified, with continued concerns around the performance of the hinge.

The additional verification reportedly pushed back commercial production, which could mean Apple will fall short of its production targets unless it can boost production. Reportedly, the company and its suppliers are working around the clock to do just that.

All this could mean limited supplies of the iPhone Ultra at launch, though there’s some uncertainty around when, exactly, the Ultra will launch. Apple is expected to reveal the foldable iPhone on Sept. 9, but availability could come much later.

Typically, we see iPhones become available about a week after the reveal, but the iPhone Ultra could take longer, especially for those outside the U.S. Other reporting indicates Apple could do a staggered launch, with the iPhone Ultra arriving in the U.S. first before expanding to other markets.

Whatever happens, we’ll likely learn all the details on Sept. 9.

Source: Nikkei Asia Via: MacRumors