iPhone 5 shortages blamed on ‘very complicated’ design

Published on 18/10/2012 16:30

THE Chinese firm which makes Apple’s iPhone 5 has blamed supply shortages on the difficulty in assembling the device.

• Anonymous Foxconn official says iPhone 5 is ‘very complicated’

• Apple is struggling to meet worldwide demand for new smartphone

Hon Hai Precision Industry, which operates under the trade name Foxconn Technology Group, has struggled to meet demand since the iPhone 5 launched last month.

Apple sold five million units of the new version of the popular smartphone within three days of its release, and initial delays in shipment were blamed on manufacturers being unable to keep up with the demand.

However, an unnamed executive at Foxconn has told the Wall Street Journal that ongoing issues with supply have been caused by the complex design of the new model.

“The iPhone 5 is the most difficult device that Foxconn has ever assembled. To make it light and thin, the design is very complicated,” said the official.

“It takes time to learn how to make this new device. Practice makes perfect. Our productivity has been improving day by day.”

Foxconn, which is based in Taiwan but has factories throughout China, has been beset by accusations from campaigners over its working conditions, amid reports that it uses underage staff and enforces long working hours.

There has been a series of suicides among its huge workforce.

Last month there was a riot involving 2,000 Foxconn workers in the northern city of Taiyuan, and the company has also been hit by strikes since the iPhone 5 launched.

Apple has seen its share price dip in response to the reports of tight supply.