Defects in Touch Panels Could Delay iPhone5 Launch

Reports highlighting a defect in Wintek-produced touch panels have sparked rumours that initial shipments of Apple´s fifth-generation iPhone may be affected.

The report, published in Tawainese electronics publication DigiTimes on Friday, indicate a “delayed bubble,” has been discovered in touch panels produced by the Chinese supply chain makers, although Wintek were quick to respond to rumours and confirm all of their products are on schedule to arrive on time. Furthermore, the report published by DigiTimes is from an unverified source.

It would appear however, that the defect itself is not a fallacy invented by journalists or rogue sources in the electronics wars, and is said to be a problem that is “difficult to avoid,” during the manufacturing process if it is not detected early enough. The touch panels Wintek have produced for the iPhone5 are the same as those used for the iPhone4 and Apple are confident the defect will be remedied quickly.

Insider sources report that Apple intend to ship up to 30 million iPhone5 handsets in the fourth quarter, but if Wintek´s touch panel faults are not fixed earlier than expected, the American multimedia giants will have to review their stats. Wintek are reported to be supplying around 25 per cent of the touch panels used in the next-generation iPhone.

As Shakespeare would say, the whole dilemma seems to be much ado about nothing, but is just the nature of the beast when it comes down to big business. Apple and its suppliers however are keen to avoid the debacle they faced earlier this year when supplies of the iPad2 were insufficient to meet consumer demand and left many people disappointed in the first few weeks of its release.

The fifth-generation iPhone is set for a mid-October launch and will be introduced to the press on 4^th October in a showcase event that is expected to be hosted by Apple´s new chief Executive, Tim Cook. There has been much speculation about what new features the iPhone5 will offer customers, but the device is widely believed to include the A5 processor and 8-megapixel camera.

Apple is also reported to be nearing the completion of the Golden Master build of iOS5 which is expected to be installed on the new units in preparation for its launch next month. The media event is also expected to showcase a 3G enabled iPod Touch alongside the iPhone5.