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Apple reportedly dodges its first big problem with iPhone 6 production

Published Jun 24th, 2014 1:00PM EDT
iPhone 6 Rumors

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With not one but two new iPhone models seemingly set to debut in 2014, we can look forward to twice as many rumors leading up to their respective launches. Various reports of production difficulties pop up each and every year, but Apple always seems to push through in the end. This year, we’ve already seen reports of more than one manufacturing issue pertaining to Apple’s larger 5.5-inch iPhone model, and now the flagship 4.7-inch iPhone 6 has seemingly run into its first major speed bump.

For more on Apple’s next-generation iPhones, visit our iPhone 6 hub!

According to a report in the print version of Chinese-language Economic Daily News picked up by Digitimes, Apple has had to overcome a serious issue with the 4.7-inch iPhone 6’s housing. The report claims that orders were first placed with component supplier Catcher for the metal phone cases, but Apple has been forced to reject the company’s chassis due to defects involving the “connecting areas between the plastic and metal parts.”

As a result Apple has had to temporarily move iPhone 6 chassis production from Catcher to both Jabil and Foxconn, according to the report.

Apple is expected to launch completely redesigned 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone models this year that are thinner and more rounded than earlier iPhone handsets. They will apparently feature full aluminum housings, new Apple A8 chipsets and possibly even NFC, according to one report from the often reliable Ming-Chi Kuo.

FROM EARLIER: Gorgeous images give us the clearest look yet at what the iPhone 6 will look like

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.