New iPhone 7 Display Possibly in the Works as Foxconn Builds New Display Factory Exclusive to Apple
Apple's mishap with GT Advanced Technologies did not seem to discourage other suppliers as Foxconn has reportedly started building a factory exclusive For Apple production. Foxconn's investment has been estimated to be more than $2.6 billion with Innolux (a Taiwan-based subsidiary) forking over.
Despite the success of the iPhone 6 series, Apple hit a major roadblock following the shortage of iPhone 6 Plus supplies following release. This has also raised concerns over the production capacity of the company. Problems with production were associated mostly with delays in display shipping. Guaranteeing a way for Apple to meet display demand in time for releases can be good for the company despite outsourcing to other firms such as LG Electronics, Samsung, Japan Display and Sharp Corporation.
Foxconn has been a primary supplier for Apple with Pegatron following close by. Pegatron was crucial in speeding up the production to cater to the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus demand. Asian media sources said that Pegatron was the main component in producing the iPhone 6 with Nikkei Asian Review emphasizing a 10% increase in the revenues of the company. Pegatron reportedly posted $153 million during the launch of thei iPhone 6.
The construction of the exclusive facility brings numerous opportunities to the table including exploring more and different types of screen technologies.
Foxconn is not the only Apple supplier intent on upping its game as Corning announced its Gorilla Glass 4. According to the company's press release, the latest screen technology is two times tougher compared to the competitive cover glass design available in the market today. Likewise, the Gorilla Glass 4 seeks to resolve a leading consumer concern about screen breakage.
To quote the company's senior vice president and general manager, James R. Steiner: "Corning® Gorilla® Glass has outperformed competing materials such as soda-lime glass and other strengthened glass, since it was introduced in 2007, and we're always innovating to push the limits of what glass can do."
