Apple Adds Two Chinese Manufacturers to MacBook Chassis Supply Chain

[MacRumors]

Apple has added two China-based manufacturers to its list of MacBook chassis suppliers in an effort to push down prices quoted by Taiwan-based makers, according to a new report today by DigiTimes.

China-based Shenzhen Everwin Precision Technology and AAC Technologies are said to have obtained Apple certification in 2017, and this year they began small-volume shipments of the metal-alloy chassis for Apple's notebook line-up.

Previous years saw Taiwan-based Catcher Technology, Foxconn Technology and Casetek Holdings dominate the supply of MacBook chassis, and Apple reportedly intends to continue relying on them because of their excellent manufacturing capabilities, but not before it has capitalized on the Chinese makers' lower production costs.

DigiTimes' sources indicate that for Taiwan makers, competition from China rivals will have more impact on their gross margins than on order volumes. To offset the impact, Taiwan companies have increasingly sought orders from Chinese brand vendors of high-end devices like laptops. Responding to the rumored potential of Chinese competition for Apple's business, for example, Catcher said its outlook for 2018 remained unchanged.

Apple is expected to release a new low-cost MacBook Air later this year that will be similar in design to the current MacBook Air, but with slimmer bezels around the display. Based on the latest rumor, the new machine will be a straight MacBook Air upgrade aimed at students and schools, with a lower price tag than MacBooks in the MacBook family.

It remains unclear how a new 13-inch Retina MacBook Air fits in with Apple's existing 12-inch Retina MacBook lineup, so the company's plans for its upcoming notebook range could still throw up a surprise or two.

Article Link: Apple Adds Two Chinese Manufacturers to MacBook Chassis Supply Chain

 

[Dave245]

If they are going to push down prices why introduce a new cheaper MacBook Air? but doesn't this lend credit to the idea that Apple could reduce the cost of the 12" MacBook to around $999 and then introduce a $1,200 13" version?

 

[BMcCoy]

Might be as much about diversification of parts suppliers as it is about driving down manufacturing costs.

Diversifying your suppliers can reduce risk - risk of delay/failure/low yield/economic issues.
It often comes at a cost, mainly duplication of many jobs/processes. But in large volume products, it does introduce competitiveness, of quality and cost.

 

[Onexy]

So, lower MacBook prices across the board? But do the workers in the factories even get some sleep now...

 

[RightMACatU]

So, lower MacBook prices across the board? But do the workers in the factories even get some sleep now...

Good point! Those kids still have to go to school

 

[pratikindia]

Too much dependency on Chinese companies will hurt Apple one day.

 

[transpo1]

If they are going to push down prices why introduce a new cheaper MacBook Air? but doesn't this lend credit to the idea that Apple could reduce the cost of the 12" MacBook to around $999 and then introduce a $1,200 13" version?

This is an interesting idea.

It may be the only way they can fix the marketing for these two products. The 12” MacBook really should be the “Air” model since it’s smaller and lighter. If Apple introduces a model above it with slightly bigger screen, they can both just be MacBooks.

However, they should standardize the ports on each and they have to have more than 1 or 2 USB-C ports.

 

[rloechner]

Why can’t we make these machines in America?

 

[MacManiac1]

All the kids are heading back to school now. Seems like Apple needs to adjust their launch schedule a little and have these things available in late July or early August.

 

[Yvan256]

Those new laptops will be ready just in time for back to school season.... 2019.

 

[magicschoolbus]

To much dependency on China.

To bad Apple can't manufacture these parts in countries that don't hate America.

 

[ignatius345]

To much dependency on China.

To bad Apple can't manufacture these parts in countries that don't hate America.

News flash: Apple is a huge, multi-national corporation out to make money, like every other huge, multi-national corporation. None of them are interested in tribalism either -- they're chasing the best/cheapest labor and manufacturing conditions and the highest-yielding markets. For now, the source of labor is Asia and the markets are largely North America and Europe. Best believe that as circumstances shift, so too will their market priorities. You can keep buying the populist narrative of countries "hating America" but big captial is "to" busy making money to care.

 

[compete12]

Push down prices?

2002 iMac - $1299
2019 iMac - $1299

2007 iPhone - $499
2019 iPhone - $999

I can tell when I'm being flim-flammed.

 

[ftaok]

Push down prices?

2002 iMac - $1299
2019 iMac - $1299

2007 iPhone - $499
2019 iPhone - $999

I can tell when I'm being flim-flammed.

Your quoted prices are disingenuous.

No one knows the 2019 prices yet, so this is based on 2018 prices.

The 2002 iMac you listed is the lowest priced option, yet you listed the mid-tier price for the current iMac. The lowest priced iMac is $1099.

The 2007 iphone you listed is the 4GB model, which was the lowest cost model. The iPhone you listed is the highest (base-cost) iPhone currently available. The iPhone8 starts at $699. Besides, the original iPhone's pricing was out of whack due to the nature of the subsidy model used at the time. Starting with the iPhone 3G, the true cost was more in line with $650 (assuming the 2-year subsidy was $400).

 

[anson42]

To much dependency on China.

To bad Apple can't manufacture these parts in countries that don't hate America.

Hating America is a strong term and wrong. China has a vested interest – an understatement – in the well being of the US economy. There are so many variables in complex international relationships not one of us can profess to understand it nor see the whole picture. Here is one aspect of the US/China relationship that many have probably heard of, but do you know really what it means?

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/080615/china-owns-us-debt-how-much.asp

[Aside: IMO you don't fix anything with a tariff war, but hey, I'm not a politician nor an economist.]

 

[lec0rsaire]

If it’s not made by Foxconn, it is not a real MacBook. What’s next? Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in Indonesia?

 

[compete12]

Your quoted prices are disingenuous.

No one knows the 2019 prices yet, so this is based on 2018 prices.

The 2002 iMac you listed is the lowest priced option, yet you listed the mid-tier price for the current iMac. The lowest priced iMac is $1099.

The 2007 iphone you listed is the 4GB model, which was the lowest cost model. The iPhone you listed is the highest (base-cost) iPhone currently available. The iPhone8 starts at $699. Besides, the original iPhone's pricing was out of whack due to the nature of the subsidy model used at the time. Starting with the iPhone 3G, the true cost was more in line with $650 (assuming the 2-year subsidy was $400).

Here's a nickel, buy yourself a better sense of humor.

 

[riverfreak]

I’ve never heard macrumors readers complain before about the source of case components, only which modems or screens they recieve in iPhones. Perhaps this is an entirely untapped segment for more OCD discussions?

Is there any way to identify who case suppliers are (without voiding the warranty)?

 

[ftaok]

Here's a nickel, buy yourself a better sense of humor.

Well, perhaps if you had something funny to say ...

 

[macpeach55]

I'm interested to see this new MBA if, indeed, it appears. I have an 11" MBA which is great for quick outings where my MBPro's power is not needed, but have a 4MB Ram version which I find runs out of Ram FAST nowadays. So I will see if this new one is as small & light as the 11" MBA (So much Bezel around the screen, but it's a lovely light-weight Mac!)
And, yes, like many people in my field I tried an iPad with a keyboard - nope, everyone I know ditched that as a solution after a Year. IOS is not in the same league as Mac OS, sorry!

 

[magicschoolbus]

News flash: Apple is a huge, multi-national corporation out to make money, like every other huge, multi-national corporation. None of them are interested in tribalism either -- they're chasing the best/cheapest labor and manufacturing conditions and the highest-yielding markets. For now, the source of labor is Asia and the markets are largely North America and Europe. Best believe that as circumstances shift, so too will their market priorities. You can keep buying the populist narrative of countries "hating America" but big captial is "to" busy making money to care.

News Flash: I know this. And populist narrative? China has a documented plan of pushing America off of the world stage entirely. It's not a narrative; it's the truth. But as long as our corporate overlords own our politicians, nothing will change.

 

[magicschoolbus]

Hating America is a strong term and wrong. China has a vested interest – an understatement – in the well being of the US economy. There are so many variables in complex international relationships not one of us can profess to understand it nor see the whole picture. Here is one aspect of the US/China relationship that many have probably heard of, but do you know really what it means?

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/080615/china-owns-us-debt-how-much.asp

[Aside: IMO you don't fix anything with a tariff war, but hey, I'm not a politician nor an economist.]

China is a bunch of bullies and an expansionist communist empire.

I have my own views- that of which Chinese investments in media companies are sky high- so anything positive about China being written in American media I seriously question.

 

[Vjosullivan]

To much dependency on China.

To bad Apple can't manufacture these parts in countries that don't hate America.

The parts can easily be made in America but only at American manufacturing prices. It's a waste of everyone's time to think you can or should make parts cheaper than China (or many other countries). The smart thing to do is to focus on what can be done better, not cheaper.

All tariffs do is put up prices, diminish sales and add an extra layer of tax to everything.