Skip to main content

Foxconn hoping to make future iPhone screens, get more of the Apple pie

iPhone assembler Foxconn is apparently hoping to move beyond its relatively low-margin work into more profitable high-end component manufacturing in order to take a bigger slice of revenue from Apple, reports the WSJ.

Apple Inc.’s major assembler Foxconn is in preliminary discussions with a provincial government in northern China for an investment in a new factory that would make high-end screens for iPhones and other mobile devices, people familiar with the talks say.

Foxconn already manufactures some iPhone components, but currently only low-margin ones like metal casings and cables … 

Sharp, Japan Display, LG and Samsung have been Apple’s main display suppliers in recent years.

“Foxconn hopes to capture the growing demand for high-resolution, energy-efficient displays and supply Apple and other smartphone makers in the next few years,” said a person familiar with the situation.

The report cautions that Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou is known for talking-up the company’s prospects, and that it is “unclear” whether Apple has been consulted on the idea. Tim Cook visited one of the company’s factories during his current visit to China, but there has been no indication of any talks on the topic.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. rahhbriley - 9 years ago

    Maybe they’re in the market to buy a few furnaces? Doubt it, but there’s probably quite a few things on Tim’s agenda for his China trip. Could see that being one.

  2. Lee (@leemahi) - 9 years ago

    The factory workers in Foxconn should be replaced by at least 90% robot. Then, that should put a foxconn in every major country in the world.

    • arely (@arelyfuentes) - 9 years ago

      no they wont move Foxconn if they can’t find cheep labor. Why move them to the USA where I need to pay them more and offer more to the employee… when I can keep more for my self

      ( I don’t support this way of thinking, but sadly is the way of the world)

      • mikabass (@mikabass) - 9 years ago

        No the fact of the matter is they want to pay what people are worth, Fact is there are not qualified american’s to handle these repairs and assembly processes wihout screwing it up while keeping up with demand. If you did any research it will show foxconn workers are the highest payed in china for labor work

  3. Bad idea considering Apple is moving manufacturing back to the U.S.

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear