For September 2022 launch, it is expected that mass production of the new iPhone 14 series will commence in a few weeks’ time. Ahead of production, Apple has added a new Chinese supplier, SG Micro to its smartphone’s supply chain.
Tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that SG Micro specializes in integrated circuits and its components have passed the tech giant’s quality certification for the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models.
After China went into lockdown in March and limited suppliers’ production capacity, it was speculated that iPhone 14 and other upcoming Apple products might be delayed. Now, the situation has improved and the next-generation iPhone series is on track for the September launch.
Apple’s new supplier has a tier-1 level certification to provide components for iPhone 14 Pro models
To manage supply constraints caused by COVID-19, global chip shortage, and the Russian war on Ukraine, Apple has been expanding its supply chain.
Last month, Kuo reported that this year, Apple has upgraded iPhone 14’s front camera which will feature autofocus to produce sharper images with improved picture quality. And the upgraded camera system will feature a 6-element lens, instead of 5-element lens.
He also added that the tech company has partnered with Sony for camera sensors, Genius and Largan for lenses, and Alps and Luxshare for the new focus module.
Now, SG Mirco has joined Apple’s complex supply chain with a tier-1 level certification.
SG Micro had passed the quality certification of the higher-end iPhone 14 and will likely ship the PMICs (battery and level shifter) for the iPhone 14 in 2H22.
It’s the first time for SG Micro to ship Apple’s high-end products, which means that Apple’s revenue contribution will increase significantly, and its technical capability can already compete with tier-1 worldwide companies in the consumer electronics field.
Kuo speculated that bagging Apple’s orders will significantly drive up SG Mirco’s revenue and profit and over the years, the manufacturer’s share of Apple’s order will continue to grow “thanks to the cost advantages and Apple’s supply chain management policy of lowering supply risks.”
