Component manufacturers scramble to win iPhone supply deals
The Times reports on a number of component manufacturers that are vying with each other to get a look in as a supplier for iPhone parts.
Wolfson and several other micro-electronics manufacturers, mostly from Taiwan, are now desperately wooing Apple for the right to have their components included in its next sure-to-be hit: the iPhone.With iPhone aiming to capture 1 per cent of the world’s mobile phone market – about 10 to 12 million phones – by 2010, securing a contract to make one of its more than 20 parts means not only guaranteed sales, but the kudos of being associated with one of the most desirable consumer goods on the market.
Companies are said to include Hon Hai, who already assemble the iPod nano; Catcher Technology, who may make the iPhone casing; and UK companies CSR, who make Bluetooth chips, and Wolfson. Samsung, Micron, and Marvell may also get a look in.
The Times' report has an interesting breakdown of the likely costs of iPhone components, based upon iSuupli research:
The most expensive component in the 8GB iPhone is the memory card, at $70, followed by the 3.5-inch display ($33.50), the main processor ($18.50), and the wi-fi chipset ($15.35). In total the 8GB version, which is to retail for $599, should cost about $280, although that will not be confirmed until the device is released and a ‘teardown analysis’ is possible, the company said.
If you're interested in the details of components that may go into the iPhone, and potential suppliers, read the whole article here.
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