A leading company in providing LCD panels has allegedly dropped Apple ahead of iPhone 5S production.
According to Korea IT News, Sharp has changed its strategy and is working closely with Samsung. In return, Sharp has apparently stopped producing LCD panels for Apple products, namely the iPad.
A source told Korea IT News, "Sharp is focusing on the production of IGZO panels as its new growth engine. It was initially known that the company would provide the product to Apple, but it has changed its supply strategy for Samsung."
The report would contradict by Japan's Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun stating Sharp will use their Kameyama Plant No. 1 to construct LCDs for the iPhone 5S.
If true, Apple might not worry too much as it allegedly has a few other manufacturers in line producing its displays as well, including LG Display, Hitachi, Sony, and Toshiba.
Meanwhile, as Apple gears up for the next smartphone, its original iPhone will be considered "Vintage" or "Obsolete" worldwide. According to Apple Support, vintage products are "those that were discontinued more than five and less than seven years ago." As for "obsolete," it is "those that were discontinued more than seven years ago. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products."
The original iPhone is currently planned to be "vintage' in the U.S. starting June 11, coincidentally on the second day of Apple's annual Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC). The conference is expected to show either a preview or confirmation of the iOS 7, the mobile platform likely for the next Apple smartphone.
For the latest on the iPhone 5S, click here.