Reports state Apple’s production of the forthcoming iPhone X has been delayed, following issues with crucial hardware (named ‘Romeo’ and ‘Juliet’) required for its facial recognition system.
Sources state production delays may result in extended supply shortages once the device goes to sale in November.
Reuters states Romeo modules have taken more time to assemble than its Juliet counterparts, culminating in a bottleneck for iPhone X mass production.
The Romeo module is reportedly assembled by LG Innotek and Sharp Corp.
Analysts such as Sanford C. Bernstein & Co’s Toni Sacconaghi state Apple is confident it can meet demand, given its plan to launch the iPhone X in more than 55 countries:
He does state that should production delays persist, sales numbers are at risk of being impacted:
“If iPhone X availability issues persist beyond November 15 and into the holiday season, we could see some frustrated iPhone users consider switching to other offerings”.
Described as ‘bleak’ demand for the iPhone 8, sales of the flagship iPhone X is set to hold high stakes for the Californian-based company.
Whilst the iPhone 8 is already available for sale, the later release date for the iPhone X was previously reported to derive from issues related to OLED screens.
The iPhone X has also been the feature of much media attention after the flagship device’s facial recognition failed to fully unlock at its official launch event.