iPhone X Hit With Production Snag, May Be Available in Short Quantity at Launch: Report

The iPhone X, which was unveiled alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, may not be available in sufficient quantity when it goes on sale in November, a new report claims. Apple’s new iPhone models are typically in short quantity when in the initial weeks, but the iPhone X models might see a new low for the company, the report added.

Apple has run into a production issue with two components of the new iPhone X, WSJ reports. The two components – internally known as “Romeo” and “Juliet” – are required for the Face ID facial recognition technology that the new iPhone X model features, the report added. Apple uses a range of sensors to project 30,000 infrared dots onto a user’s face to map its characteristics. The problem, the Journal said, was that manufacturing the “Romeo” component is taking longer expected.

This delay has reportedly resulted in an improper ratio of “Romeos” to “Juliets.” This isn’t the first time Apple has run into a production snag with the iPhone X. WSJ reported previously that Apple earlier this year faced difficulties embedding the fingerprint scanner in the OLED display. That problem persisted and Apple decided to have no fingerprint scanning technology on the new iPhone X model.

Any delay in shipments may leave Apple with fierce customers who have opted to not get either of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models in favour of deciding to wait for the new iPhone X model. The iPhone X, which is the costliest iPhone to date, sports a range of advanced features including an edge-to-edge OLED display and support for wireless charging. Apple has said that India will be in the first wave of countries to get the iPhone X, which goes on sale November 3.