Touch Panel Suppliers Claim No Timeline for Shifting to iPhone 5 Production

[MacRumors]

​

DigiTimes reports that touch panel suppliers for Apple's iPhone continue to dedicate their capacity to the existing iPhone 4 with no timeline for shifting production to a fifth-generation model, lending credence to claims that Apple will not introduce a new iPhone at its Worldwide Developers Conference in early June but still leaving open the question of when users can expect such a debut.<p class="quote">Apple has not yet released a production roadmap for iPhone 5 as shipment volumes of iPhone 4 have continued to mount and related suppliers are not yet ready to shift their production lines for new products, according to sources at Taiwan-based touch panel makers. … While acknowledging there should be a roadmap for each generation of products, the sources insisted that touch panel shipments for iPhone 4 have remained steady, and that they have not seen a timetable to stop current production in preparation for the next-generation of iPhone.</p>Increasing numbers of claims are pointing to a new iPhone roughly in the September timeframe, with recent speculation citing Apple's annual September media event traditionally focused on iPods for a potential iPhone introduction.

Article Link: Touch Panel Suppliers Claim No Timeline for Shifting to iPhone 5 Production

 

[vincenz]

I don't mind. More time to enjoy the 4

 

[imola.zhp]

thanks for continuing to screw us 3gS owners over Apple...

My phone is on its last leg, dropping calls all of the time, have to charge it 3 times a day. If I had known this, I would have already bought a 4...

 

[Dainin]

The screen may not change on the next revision. So there may be no need to change production.

 

[kultschar]

Surley this does not mean no iPhone 5

I reckon it will be a updated iPhone 4 with speed bump and a few extra bells (like the 3GS) and whistles but nothing new with the form factor hence same screen.

The iPhone 4 is not outdated yet and still has plenty of life in it without a complete redesign!

 

[Popeye206]

The screen may not change on the next revision. So there may be no need to change production.

+1.... this is what I think.

We won't know for sure until the WDC... if no iPhone5 then, then fall it may be!

 

[heehee]

I'm still on my 3G, I don't know how long it's going to last.

 

[JPark]

I can only think of one appropriate response:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp-MXaNlD5g

 

[anthdci]

I know rumors aren't good to use, but I'm sure there were pre-production parts for the iPhone4 showing up by this time last year, maybe the fact that there isn't gives more credibility to the next version coming later.

 

[Tadros86]

There honestly is no need to update the iPhone line EVERY year at this point. iPhone 4 was the biggest jump and I don't see a reason to jump again so soon, especially after Verizon customers JUST recived access to the phone. I can understand updating the models to include 4G, but at this point 4G IMHO is not needed. It's not a mature enough standard to expect iPhone owners to have smooth service with Verizon and AT&Ts 4G networks. I see them both being great next year, but it'd be a forced move on Apples part to update so soon.

 

[haruhiko]

I know rumors aren't good to use, but I'm sure there were pre-production parts for the iPhone4 showing up by this time last year, maybe the fact that there isn't gives more credibility to the next version coming later.

This time last year Mr. Powell left his iPhone 4 in a bar.

 

[ghostface147]

There honestly is no need to update the iPhone line EVERY year at this point. iPhone 4 was the biggest jump and I don't see a reason to jump again so soon, especially after Verizon customers JUST recived access to the phone. I can understand updating the models to include 4G, but at this point 4G IMHO is not needed. It's not a mature enough standard to expect iPhone owners to have smooth service with Verizon and AT&Ts 4G networks. I see them both being great next year, but it'd be a forced move on Apples part.

I disagree in some ways. Physically there may not need to be a strong reason to upgrade, but with competitors moving so quickly, Apple has to release new hardware. Whether it be NFC, LTE or dual-core, something has to be done to refresh and have something new in buyers minds.

Granted at this point I think the i4 is speedy enough as it is and it's mostly software now. Things like notifications and other related annoyances.

 

[TUD]

thanks for continuing to screw us 3gs owners over apple...

My phone is on its last leg, dropping calls all of the time, have to charge it 3 times a day. If i had known this, i would have already bought a 4...

+1

The screen may not change on the next revision. So there may be no need to change production.

That's what I am thinking.

 

[tigress666]

I love my iphone 4 and I don't plan on upgrading til 2012 but I disagree there is no need for a new iphone.

I think Apple still needs to make sure they keep up. And honestly, I would say the iphone needs a faster processor (I hear the 3GS is faster due to not having as high resolution) and better graphics/more ram and more storage (but honestly that will always be the case really, it's how computer tech runs, always needing to be faster).

Course, I've gotten a lot more into gaming on my phone . But I have had several apps (admittedly mostly games) that do have random freeze for a second which to me is kinda unimpressive since it is the latest phone (it's not that annoying, but just unimpressive and worrysome how it will keep up with apps when it ages if it already is experiencing some lag now).

No, I don't really have any want of new things on it (except for the excitement of what will they add now) and I'm perfectly happy with the GPS/camera (The two things i wanted improved on my 3G).

But if nothing else, Apple needs to at least put out a new iphone each year to keep up with speed and new applications that need more speed (and really even though I'm happy with the camera people expect the camera technology to improve on each phone). That's the nature of technology.

(besides, even though I don't plan on getting one I'm just plain curious what the new iphone will improve on or add. Particularly since that means it will probably something I will have to look forward to in 2012 when it's time for me to upgrade as it seems apple usually tends to include the tech, if not improved versions, they put in the older phones in the new ones).

 

[ghost187]

Just because someone hasn't left iPhone 5 in a bar this year doesn't mean we are not going to see iPhone 5 in June like we have seen every single iPhone before it (ok iPhone 3G slipped into July, but big deal). Apple is predictable people. I guarantee that we will see an iPhone 5 in June. And ofcourse Apple hasn't given a roadmap out, because they are keeping it hush hush this year.

 

[NoExpectations]

Maybe most of the parts for the iPhone 5 are identical as the iPhone 4? I predict that 5 will just have an upgraded processor and more memory.

 

[LegendKillerUK]

I'm still on my 3G, I don't know how long it's going to last.

Same here. Would have upgraded but had to move half way across the world for a year. I was looking forward to getting back in August to have missed the initial rush for this damn thing.

 

[countrydweller]

They could be moving to once a year release for AT&T and Verizon, pushing AT&T's release to January.

 

[JGowan]

thanks for continuing to screw us 3gS owners over Apple...

My phone is on its last leg, dropping calls all of the time, have to charge it 3 times a day. If I had known this, I would have already bought a 4...

If I had known that Apple was selling at $7/share in 2001 and would be at $350/share today, I'd be a rich man.

Apple owes you nothing. They don't announce anything anyway, so this is nothing new. Just, chill out. If you need a phone, go get a phone. The iPhone 4 is incredible tech. If you want to wait for the latest and greatest, buying something used and stick your sim card in it to get you through.

 

[Thex1138]

iPhone 5

Is getting major upgrade in my opinion...

It's also allowing CDMA to propagate a bit further before next cycle..

 

[dstrauss]

There honestly is no need to update the iPhone line EVERY year at this point. iPhone 4 was the biggest jump and I don't see a reason to jump again so soon, especially after Verizon customers JUST recived access to the phone. I can understand updating the models to include 4G, but at this point 4G IMHO is not needed. It's not a mature enough standard to expect iPhone owners to have smooth service with Verizon and AT&Ts 4G networks. I see them both being great next year, but it'd be a forced move on Apples part to update so soon.

I disagree, whether you call it a refresh or all new phone, several things must be addressed by Apple in the current model:

1. replace back glass with metal or carbon fiber enclosure;
2. replace antenna design;
3. use 4" screen, even at same resolution;
4. offer 64gb model.

One even more important change, which I KNOW they won't do, is use a universal radio chip that can support GOS and CDMA networks - no more having to buy a new phone every time you switch carriers - oops, that cuts agains Apple's AND the carriers interest - not much traction there.

 

[sotorious]

I dont follow apple like some of you do, but i do follow news. Just my 2 cents here to. Think about it if Apple keeps this phone hush till their conference and all these rumors about it being delayed think how many people are going to run out and get an IP4, they know what they are doing, and they are baiting out the impatient ones.

 

[Eye4Desyn]

I guess we'll just have to find out in June. Maybe not at WWDC, but who says there won't be a hardware announcement at some point immediately following WWDC? Either way, I'm fine with my iP4....that is until iP5 is available

 

[SAIRUS]

I also think Apple is going to be even more secret hush hush with the leak last year. With people thinking it might come in September (it might), people won't be hitting bars around Cupertino.

 

[mijail]

several things must be addressed by Apple in the current model:
...

Apple's results seem to imply that you could, conceivably, be wrong.