Buyers late to the iPad Mini or iMac ordering game could find their devices being delayed until Q1 2013. A new report by Digitimes has discovered that display panels used for the iPhone mini are receiving a yield rate of just 22 percent from AU Optronics, LG Display, and AU.
Apple was originally hoping for a 40 percent yield. The panel issue has been further compounded by a supply shortage from backlight module makers.
With display issues delaying shipments, Apple’s 10 million shipment mark before the end of Q4 2012 could now turn into 6 million units shipped.
The new iMac uses panels made exclusively by LG. A new process was created to mass produce Apple’s iMac panels; however, LG is still severely limited in its production capacity. Sources close to LG production claim that the company will be hitting Apple targets by the start of the year.
Apple is no stranger to mounting supply issues due to its new Retina display. Since the iPhone 4, delays have been common as display suppliers wrestle against low display production yields.
Apple has also experienced problems with third-generation iPad and iPhone 5. Many of the company’s problems are based on its own design expectations, more specifically the creation of thinner displays with more surface area.
While it may appear that Apple is shooting itself in the foot with new technologies that are not yet ready for mass production, the company’s stock pricing remains strong thanks to high demand levels, and recent studies that showcase extremely strong consumer loyalty.
