September is supposed to be the month Apple would introduce the next-generation iPhone but looks like there will be a short delay as a redesign was suddenly ordered. This caused panel production to be delayed on the part of the suppliers.
There is no official announcement if this disruption will delay launch date and actual shipping schedule. It could push through as scheduled or quantity of iPhone 6 would be limited at launch, rumored to be on September 9.
Apple is expected to introduce two new models this year -- a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and one with a larger 5.5-inch screen display. Two models being launched is not a new thing as the Cupertino company released two versions last year, the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S.
The delay is not entirely a challenge to Apple but on the part of the suppliers as they try to meet the demands and specifications of Apple. The latter wants a thinner, larger screen for the iPhone 6 and the supplier must comply albeit time is running out.
The suppliers noted that things have changed after the backlight had to be redesigned. This caused screen assembly to be disrupted last June and July.
Apple aims to have the thinnest iPhone model possible so there was a request to cut back the layers of the backlight film from two to one. Because of this, the supply chain had to halt production and make the necessary changes per Apple's request. Apparently, the change resulted to the screen not being bright enough. Apple then sent back the screen to add yet another layer, according to the source.
Apple tapped three companies to supply the screens: LG Display, Sharp, and Japan Display Inc. These three are manufacturing the display screen that would make the iPhone 6 super thin.
On the assembly part, Pegatron has been tapped by Apple to assemble iPhones. The company's spokesman acknowledged there are a few problems.
"Currently, there's a small shortage in supply of a specialized component for our communication devices. This kind of problem regularly occurs and the impact on production is negligible," the unnamed spokesman for Pegatron said.
Suppliers are still believed to be working double time to meet the product launch.
