Apple has introduced a new Jet Black color option with the iPhone 7 and it has proven to be quite popular among customers. You may find it hard to buy one right now because the iPhone 7 itself is suffering from supply issues and the Jet Black models even more so. One of the reasons for the low supply of Jet Black iPhone 7 units is said to be the difficulty in manufacturing handsets of this color.
Apple did explain when the iPhone 7 was unveiled that the Jet Black finish requires a lot of work. The handset is put through a nine-step anodization and polishing process which gives it that luster, but it’s prone to scratching, even Apple suggests you get a case with it.
Noted Apple analyst at KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo said that the Jet Black iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models are proving difficult to manufacture. The yield rates of these handsets are claimed to be under 70 percent which means that as many as 30 percent of all units manufactured are failing to meet Apple’s strict quality guidelines.
Shipping estimates for this color option quickly slipped to November when pre-orders for the iPhone 7 began on September 9th. This is why it’s hard for customers to get their hands on a Jet Black iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus right now.
Kuo also sent out a note to investors recently predicting that even though there has been good demand for the iPhone 7, Apple will ship less iPhone 7 units overall compared to iPhone 6s series shipments last year.
Filed in . Read more about Iphone 7 and Iphone 7 Plus.