Apple is reportedly ramping up production of iPhones and iPads for this upcoming holiday season. The tech giant is rumored to be adding new manufacturing partners to help with the growing demand with its popular iOS devices. Both companies are said to be Wistron and Compal Communications.
A Foxconn executive, who chose to be unamed, told the Wall Street Journal that it’s been cautious about expanding production solely for Apple.
“Apple has raised this quarter’s iPhone 5S orders from Hon Hai [Foxconn] as demand has been stronger than expected,” the executive reportedly said. “But it takes time to boost production capacity and Apple can’t find other assemblers to increase production to meet demand immediately.”
It’s possible that Foxconn is trying to be more cautious with protecting its own hyde, by refusing to do more production than it has so far. This could be due to the ongoing labor issues the manufacturer has endured over the last couple of years.
That being said, the iPhone 5C remains well stocked throughout all carriers in the country, however, the problem resides with the iPhone 5S. Supply for Apple’s flagship phone remains scarce, with carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile indicating that they could have sold even more 5S’ had supplies been readily available.
“Apple has raised this quarter’s iPhone 5S orders from Hon Hai as demand has been stronger than expected. But it takes time to boost production capacity and Apple can’t find other assemblers to increase production to meet demand immediately,” said the Hon Hai executive.
The report claims Apple will begin working with Wistron to produce addition iPhone 5Cs and Compal Communications to produce more iPad minis. Wistron’s production is expected to begin later this year, while Compal Communications’ will begin early in 2014.
[WSJ; via Mac Rumors]