Apple is adding Wistron as a supplier of the so-called "iPhone 5se," in addition to Foxconn Electronics (via DigiTimes). The latter will still lead production on the next-generation 4-inch iPhone, but Apple is ensuring that manufacturing goes as smoothly as possible by introducing a secondary supplier in Wistron.

wistron logo

Apple has been trying to separate its orders to different ODMs to avoid risks. In February 2015, the vendor added Compal Electronics as an iPad mini manufacturer, and Wistron to conduct iPhone touch panel lamination, and has recently outsourced a small portion of its new 4-inch iPhone orders to Wistron, looking to nurture Wistron to become an iPhone assembly house, according to some market watchers.

According to the report, the split in suppliers will also continue for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Foxconn and Wistron will both supply the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus, while Pegatron will share manufacturing duties with Foxconn for the 4.7-inch device. The most recent rumors regarding this fall's iPhone 7 largely encompass the potential loss of its 3.5mm headphone jack in place of Lightning-connected headphones.

Apple sees the doubling-up of suppliers on one particular iPhone as a chance of lessening the manufacturing risk, such as faulty components. The company used the same strategy most recently in the iPhone 6s, divvying up production duties between Foxconn and Pegatron. On both versions of the 2016 iPhone, Foxconn will remain the "major supplier" for each device.

More immediate rumors surround Apple's yet-to-be-announced March 15 media event where the iPhone 5se should be revealed alongside the iPad Air 3, with availability opening up as soon as March 18. The iPhone 5se is said to look similar in appearance to the iPhone 5s, but instead include the curved cover glass the company includes in the iPhone 6s. The new entry-level iPhone will also be beefed up with an A9 processor and an 8-megapixel camera.

Related Roundup: iPhone SE
Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

Jsameds Avatar
102 months ago
Who cares what it's called? It's a new 4" iPhone - that's the main point.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
102 months ago
Who cares what it's called? It's a new 4" iPhone - that's the main point.
100% this. Who are these people that care about the name of a phone? It will be an iPhone. Full stop. Everything else is just superfluous.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BradWould Avatar
102 months ago
Oh no.....I heard the Wistron iPhone's battery life sucks. :rolleyes:
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SBlue1 Avatar
102 months ago
Just call it the iPhone Mini
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SHirsch999 Avatar
102 months ago
If it has inside specs like a iPhone 5s, lawyers will be lining up to sue for false advertising if Apple calls it iPhone 6c.
A 4" iPhone with inside specs of a 5s would be an iPhone 5s.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AVEGA Avatar
102 months ago
iPhone 6-

Just watch them spin it , minus in size but not in features *.
*3D Touch is not a feature .

I hope this thing isn't crippled like 5C . I love my 6S+ but I can totally understand why people like smaller size phone and not want a lesser phone .
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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