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White iPhone 4 Delays Due to Glass Painting Issues?

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Apr 12, 2001
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Engadget summarizes reports in the Chinese-language media claiming that the delays experienced by the white iPhone 4 are due to issues with the paint application process for the device's glass front and back panels. In particular, the company behind the production process, Lens Technology, is working out kinks in its screen printing process to achieve proper paint thickness and color consistency.
Now, a worker from Lens' quality control department has allegedly admitted that the company's screen-printing workshop may currently be dealing with some issues with the white iPhone 4 covers. Specifically, the factory's still working out the perfect combination of paint thickness and opacity -- the former to ensure the next sub-contractor has enough clearance for the digitizer overlay, and the latter for the absolute whiteness that Jony Ive and co. strive for. As we pointed out before, the prototype white covers we acquired appeared a touch darker than the iPhone 4 dock, so here's hoping that we'll see a better result when the official white phone comes out later this month.
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The report seems to corroborate a claim made by a Gizmodo reader back in June when Apple announced that the white iPhone 4 models would be delayed until the second half of July.
I cannot say who I am as Apple does have a non-disclosure in effect for this, but: The color specifications for the white on the new iPhones are just crazy. The tolerances they are trying to achieve with the white really is the cause of the delay. As screen printing goes, it is somewhat controllable, doesn't have the tolerance that Apple is wanting to hold the color specification of the white too. Talk about anal...
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Apple CEO Steve Jobs confirmed at last Friday's press conference that white iPhone 4 models will begin shipping in limited quantities at the end of this month.

Article Link: White iPhone 4 Delays Due to Glass Painting Issues?
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2010/07/19/white-iphone-4-delays-due-to-glass-painting-issues/
Apple does really take pride in their work, even if it goes to the extreme.

In all honestly, I've never heard of another hardware manufacturer that adheres to such scrutiny, which is probably why lots of my previous smartphones were built with such variety in quality control.
 
"I cannot say who I am.... the color specifications for the white on the new iPhones are just crazy... talk about anal..."

That "anal" quality is why - antenna performance issues aside - Apple builds the finest consumer products in the world. Those tolerances and demands for perfection often result in cutting edge processes that can backfire. But I'll take that any day over a bland status quo that follows... rather than leads.
:apple::apple::apple:
 
Frankly, I don't mind the delay if it means the appropriate time is spent on making sure the manufacture is done properly so we don't end up with another "AntennaGate" with the phone's finish.
 
I prefer my black iPhone and don't really like the white, but if you are a real white fan, how can you not be happy about this quote:

The color specifications for the white on the new iPhones are just crazy. The tolerances they are trying to achieve with the white really is the cause of the delay. As screen printing goes, it is somewhat controllable, doesn't have the tolerance that Apple is wanting to hold the color specification of the white too. Talk about anal...
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I'm hoping for pre-orders soon. Not at the last minute. My guess would be whenever they update the site for the free bumpers is when pre's should happen.
 
I actually question this factory's integrity. They've had what, 6 months to iron these problems out?
 
I suppose white is a very tricky colour to get right as it will show up all the imperfections. You'd think they would've got it sorted before announcing though wouldn't you.
 
Paint?

So Apple is more worried about the color of white than the phone dropping calls??

Someone needs to get their priorities straight.
 
Amazing, Apple has obsession to make sure the white paint is applies perfectly but doesn't care about making a working antenna. Talk about priorities! :(
 
Are the posting times on the top left showing 4ish pm for everyone or is that something wrong on my computer?
 

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Not a big fan of the white because of the front, but I can see why they had to do both sides white. Different colored trims on the sides would mess up the whole look.
 
Apple is looking for a particular and consistent white and that is good. The manufacturer is having problems obtaining this and that is bad.

What might be worse, is that the white iP4's have some other deficiency once out in the public with regards to the white color manufacturing difficulties. Is it easier coloring polycarbonate plastic MacBooks or iPhone glass?

What will Apple do if this too becomes an issue down the road?
 
It's funny that this much attention is given to the white hue, but hey it drops connectivity if you touch it right here, no big deal.

I know, I know, the iPhone doesn't drop calls. It *****ing throws them down.
 
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