Skip to Content

Apple Rejects Catcher's 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Casings Over Defects

by

In April, it was reported that Catcher Technology would be supplying Apple with metal casings for the iPhone 6. Now, China's Economic Daily News (via Digitimes) reports that Apple has rejected Catcher's iPhone 6 chassis, instead choosing to place short term orders with longtime supply partners Jabil and Foxconn.

iphone61
Apple reportedly had issues with defects found in the connecting areas between the plastic and metal parts within the casings, which was caused by Catcher's anodizing process. The issues with the casings may take 2-3 months to fix, which may require Apple to rely on other supply partners.

Apple's 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is expected to go into mass production last month for a launch this fall. Reports have also suggested that Apple will also launch a larger, 5.5-inch version of the iPhone 6 at some point, with Bloomberg noting yesterday that Apple may launch both sizes of the device at the same time. In addition to a larger screen, the iPhone 6 is expected to include a thinner design, a faster A8 processor, an improved camera, and more.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

153 months ago
"Apple's 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is expected to go into mass production last month for a launch this fall."

Typing in the right tense is hard. In such a hurry to get minor news out they cannot proof read the stories.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BMcCoy Avatar
153 months ago
So many suppliers and manufacturers in the supply chain, each with a workforce across many different roles...

I am surprised how few leaks we get of products. It does seem that the majority of companies, and people, have integrity.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
verniesgarden Avatar
153 months ago
Is it me or does Apple seem to have more problems with each release? I don't remember hearing anything about issues with iPhone 4 production. Then the 5 came, and they had issues with supply quantity, anodizing defects, etc... Now I'm hearing about the 6 having casing issues, trouble sourcing screens...

Why is Apple having such a hard time of it lately? Or are we just *hearing* about things now, when before they'd be kept under wraps?

You don't remember the white iPhone 4 then, it was pushed back and pushed back until it wasn't released at all due to the white button not matching the glass.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
topgunn Avatar
153 months ago
So many suppliers and manufacturers in the supply chain, each with a workforce across many different roles...

I am surprised how few leaks we get of products. It does seem that the majority of companies, and people, have integrity.

You say "have integrity". I say "fear reprisal".
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lincolntran Avatar
153 months ago
So many suppliers and manufacturers in the supply chain, each with a workforce across many different roles...

I am surprised how few leaks we get of products. It does seem that the majority of companies, and people, have integrity.

Yet everytime a couple of images were leaked, the arm chair executives on here act like they can do a better job.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
153 months ago
Where's the proofreader?

"Apple's 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is expected to go into mass production last month for a launch this fall."
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Released Seven New Products Today

Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:05 am PDT by
Starting today, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week are available at Apple Stores and beginning to arrive to customers. The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world starting today. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but...
ios 26 4 yellow

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 4

Monday March 9, 2026 3:50 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to test the iOS 26.4 beta, and the latest update is now available for developers and public beta testers. As testing goes on, there are fewer new features in each beta, but today’s release adds new emoji characters and a few other changes. New Emoji Apple added new emoji characters, including trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature, fight cloud, orca,...
Apple 50 Years of Thinking Different

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

Thursday March 12, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Apple today announced that it will celebrate the company's 50th anniversary over the coming weeks, but it has yet to reveal any specific plans. Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, so the company will turn 50 on April 1, 2026. "While Apple is known for looking forward, this milestone offers a special moment to reflect on the journey that has brought the company here, to celebrate the...