The Asian suppliers behind some of the iPhone 7’s key components
Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology, and two Shenzhen companies among those likely to benefit from new device
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are archetypes of the globalised supply chain economy, with their parts made by suppliers from eight different countries and areas across the world.
And it’s those suppliers, including some from Hong Kong and Taiwan, that stand behind the upgraded devices and guarantee many of their key features, including their pressure-sensitive home button, better cameras, faster processors and improved battery life, as well their lack of a headphone jack.
Apple’s chief manufacturing partner Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group, for instance, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, has obtained major assembly orders for the new model, according to mainland media.
Also from Tawian, Pegatron Corp is another Apple supplier reported to be on the list.
Foxconn-owned Sharp Corp and Japan Display – a joint venture between Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi – supply the devices’ high-definition multi-touch screen, which Apple markets as “Retina Display”, according to Citi Research, while Largan Precision of Taiwan, Tokyo-listed Alps Electric and Korean firm Cowell Electronics supply its camera modules.
AAC and Shenzhen-traded GoerTek supply its miniature speakers and microphones, as well as their waterproofing features, according to Citi Research. They also provide the miniature microphones on the new wireless AirPod.
AAC’s share price in Hong Kong has been soaring this week in anticipation of the Apple launch, and topped HK$90 on Thursday.
Taiwan’s Catcher Technology, Apple’s partner on metal chassis components, also supplies the waterproof chassis.
The phone’s home button finger print sensor is made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is also believed to be the sole supplier of its A10 chip, according to digitimes.com. Apple executives claim it is the fastest smartphone chip ever, allowing the iPhone 7 to run up to three times faster than the iPhone 6, using half the power.
TSMC’s share price reached its highest level in a month on Wednesday.
