Apple Continues to Diversify Suppliers Ahead of iPhone 14 Launch

Apple has added to its list of suppliers for the iPhone 14 series in a bid to avoid potential supply chain shortages when mass production of the devices begins, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iPhone 14 Pro Lineup Feature Purple
In a series of tweets, Kuo said components from SG Micro have passed quality certification for the high-end iPhone 14 models, meaning the Chinese company has been greenlighted to supply components for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

SG Micro specializes in integrated circuits, and Apple will use its power management integrated circuitry in the upcoming iPhones. Kuo notes that this is the first time SG Micro has provided components for high-end iPhones, implying that its technical capabilities have reached the "tier-1 level" required for use in premium consumer electronics.

Kuo recently said that some iPhone 14 components such as display panels are facing supply chain issues, but the analyst believes the issues will have a limited impact on upcoming mass production of iPhone 14 models, which are expected to be announced in September.

The lineup is expected to include the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max, but there will be no "mini" device this year.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....

Top Rated Comments

BootsWalking Avatar
41 months ago
In a series of tweets, Kuo said components from SG Micro have passed quality certification for the high-end iPhone 14 models, meaning the Chinese company has been greenlighted to supply components for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

That's like McDonald's diversifying its menu by adding an extra-large fries to it.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ian87w Avatar
41 months ago

So they are saying a company which before made not so great integrated circuits now just about makes better ones, hence loads of iPhone 14 Pros will have kinda okay integrated circuits, a test for SG Micro to get it right. Nothing like gambling your flagship phones on a new supplier in the mix, rather than long established companies known for their quality in your top of the line range, rather than using SG Micro as a test bed in your non pro line up just to be cautious. Yep that seems totally logical...
Well, if something went wrong, Apple can simply say the user is using the phone wrong and deny anything. And then silently release a repair program for specific small set of batches for 2 years (typical Applecare length, so nobody would benefit beyond the standard warranty). While the money is pouring in, expense is minimized, while future profit is increased through customers wanting repairs beyond the repair program and customers upgrading sooner than they planned.

Isn't Tim Cook smart?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robd003 Avatar
41 months ago
Apple really needs to diversify their manufacturing outside of China. They could be building products in the rest of Southeast Asia so they aren't at the mercy of a single government.

I'd be willing to pay an extra $200 - $300 for my Mac if they had a Made in the USA option available.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
flofixer Avatar
41 months ago
I hope this doesn't cause another "does my phone have the samsung or tsmc chip?" issue.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarAnalogy Avatar
41 months ago

Well, if something went wrong, Apple can simply say the user is using the phone wrong and deny anything. And then silently release a repair program for specific small set of batches for 2 years (typical Applecare length, so nobody would benefit beyond the standard warranty). While the money is pouring in, expense is minimized, while future profit is increased through customers wanting repairs beyond the repair program and customers upgrading sooner than they planned.

Isn't Tim Cook smart?
Well I gotta say when my AirPods Pro developed an issue suspiciously like this, they launched a repair program for three years from date of purchase, and I got mine replaced with no hassle other than having to go to the Apple Store.

Granted they didn't publicize the program at all, I only knew about it because of good ol' MacRumors.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Core Avatar
41 months ago

Apple really needs to diversify their manufacturing outside of China. They could be building products in the rest of Southeast Asia so they aren't at the mercy of a single government.

I'd be willing to pay an extra $200 - $300 for my Mac if they had a Made in the USA option available.
Agree 100%! Scary how the second most valuable company in the world depend solely on China. Tim Cook should be fired.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)