According to The Investor, Apple has recently purchased expensive production equipment for the rigid-flex printed circuit board (RFPCB). It is a vital component of the unpacked OLED iPhone’s new machine. The chip, display, camera, and other parts are connected.
These tens of millions of dollars worth of procurement have aroused the industry’s concern. Reporters have reported that Apple did not produce factories to install these devices. More importantly, it has been planned by the three suppliers to obtain RFPCB components.
According to industry sources, Apple has leased production equipment to suppliers. They did so to ensure that the company could promptly get the required parts. Reporters have reported that the company may delay the listing of the new iPhone because of the difficulties in supplying key components such as chips and OLED panels.
According to ET News, Apple RFPCB’s three suppliers are from Taiwan, one of which recently decided to withdraw. As for the reasons for the withdrawal, the supplier did not disclose, sources said that because of Apple’s strict quality requirements and low profit to make the exit decision.
To fill the gap, Apple has found two South Korean suppliers, Interflex and Youngpoong Electronics, to ensure the supply of RFPCB, but the company will still find new suppliers in Korea. Professionals expect Apple will order 100 million RFPCB components this year.