With the widely rumored and eagerly anticipated iPhone 6, Apple isn't just aiming for bigger, it reportedly wants thinner, too. Now those design demands may have, according to a report, cost Apple and possibly even altered the timeline for launch or delivery of one or both expected iPhone 6 models.
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Even though the iPhone 5S is just 7.6 mm thick, there are some who believe Apple wants to go even thinner. Purportedly leaked photos of the iPhone 6 show a device with curved edges that looks as if it shaves a millimeter or two off the depth.
However, according to Reuters, Apple's desire to gain the profile design edge led it to call for just a single backlight layer (smartphones usually have two) in the 4.7-inch model of the iPhone 6, according to the report. As a result, the iPhone 6 4.7-inch's screen was reportedly too dim and Apple apparently had to go back to the drawing board and add another layer.
Reuters notes that this supply chain issue came up sometime this summer and that production for the 4.7-inch model is back on track.
This is not the first time reported production issues have delayed one or more of the anticipated iPhone 6 models. Earlier this year, there were rumors that the larger iPhone 6, the 5.5-inch model, was getting pushed back to 2015. Why? Another thinness issue. This time suppliers were struggling to find a battery thin enough to fit in the ultra-thin smartphone.
As always, Apple is not commenting on this or any other rumor or report relating to its upcoming product releases. From our perspective, it's likely both iPhone 6 models will be unveiled on September 9. The x-factor here will be product delivery. If any of these supply issues are true, Apple could introduce a longer window between announcement and availability or possibly stagger delivery. It could also use a third product, say the rumored Apple iWatch as a kind of distraction from any iPhone delays, especially if it's available for purchase after the iPhone 6 4.7-inch model, but before the larger 5.5-inch smartphone.