Why and how do iPhone leaks appear so early?

[Applewatch42]

I have noticed that many times, for example, there are already iPhone 18 and a few iPhone XX leaks before the 17 even releases, how do they get the info before the final prototype is even created? Do they have someone who works on the prototypes leaking them early? This is not even a new issue, but one starting around the iPhone 7 era.

 

[Applewatch42]

Also the accuracy of the leaks is almost 100% spot on in about 6 months of rumors

 

[1rottenapple]

Supply chain management they have to retool factory machine etc. there’s so many steps in the supply chain there’s bound to be leaks. Takes the fun away from keynotes.

 

[JPack]

Component orders need to be locked down with the supplier at least a year ahead of time.

The display for example, needs about 18 month of lead time. Samsung, LG, BOE need to know the specs in order to build assembly lines for Apple. This is why Kuo knew the resolution of iPhone Air back in June 2024.

Apple sells about 250 million iPhones each year. About 1/3 of those are new models. You can't just tell component suppliers to build 90 million pieces without giving them a year or so advance notice.