Who makes the iPhone? If you answered 'Apple', you're wrong. The iPhone is a global effort. Tens of thousands of people at more than 30 companies on 3 continents work together to make Apple's first phone possible.
Apple, of course, designs the product, and also created the single most important 'component' – the software that gives the iPhone its unique personality.
But, while Apple gets the credit, behind the scenes there are a host of other players, each of which has to build and deliver complex parts on schedule to make the iPhone possible.
Some of them are well known names, like US-based Intel, which supplies the NOR flash chips which hold the iPhone's updatable system software; and Korea's Samsung, which makes the video processor IC. Two famous names from consumer electronics, Japan's Sharp and Sanyo Epson, are among the suppliers of the phone's bright 3.5-inch display.
Unknown suppliers
Then there are the unknowns, each of which plays a small but vital role. Ever heard of Balda AG? Chinese factories owned by this German firm make the touch sensitive modules which are fixed onto the iPhone's LCD to make its innovative multi-touch control possible. It's also Balda's technology which allowed Apple to switch to a tough scratch-resistant glass screen, to avoid the complaints over scratching that tainted the iPod Nano launch.
Another low profile firm, the UK's Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR), is the creator of the iPhone's Bluetooth module, in a deal that reportedly earns the integrated circuit design house $1.20 for each iPhone made.
You might have heard of the companies behind a few of the other iPhone chips – if you've ever wrestled with network driver installation on a PC. Marvell designs the WiFi chip, for example. Broadcom, best known for its networking chips, is the company behind the specialized interface chip that interprets the movement of your fingers on the multitouch screen.
While these chips are designed in Europe or the US, most of them aren't made there. Instead they are rolling off production lines in Asia, from companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), undoubtedly the world's biggest unknown chip maker, or its slightly smaller rival, United Microelectronic Corp (UMC) – both companies are based in Taiwan.
The distinctive aluminum and stainless steel iPhone case is also made by a Taiwanese firm, Catcher Technology, according to analysts in Taiwan.
Final assembly mystery
No matter where the iPhone's myriad components are made, they all end up in one place: the factories of a lead contractor whose identity is now something of a mystery. Apple's iPod manufacturing partner, Taiwan's Foxconn, was long rumored to be the company that assembled the hundreds of components into a sleek iPhone. However, Foxconn's CEO recently surprised investors by telling them that these reports were incorrect, according to Reuters. Another likely Taiwanese candidate, Quanta, is rumored to be working on the iPhone, but only on the next generation, so-called 'iPhone 2.0'.
Analysts in Foxconn's home base of Taipei however, still confidently list Foxconn International Holdings as the iPhone's assembler, despite the company CEO's apparent denial. Whoever the assembler is, it is there that the chips are planted onto printed circuit boards supplied by Taiwan's Unimicron Technology Corp. Then all the components are fitted into the metal and plastic case to make a completed iPhone, ready for shipment to the US.
A second 3G iPhone?
During recent months, sources at a few of the component manufacturers named in this article have told regional media that Apple appears to be working on two different iPhone designs. The key feature attributed to 'iPhone 2.0' is 3G, as well as the GSM standard supported by the original iPhone. At least one of the smaller components suppliers has reportedly already delivered parts for this forthcoming product.
| Software and design | Apple | USA |
| Assembly | Foxconn?, Quanta, Unknown | Taiwan |
| TFT-LCD Screen | Sanyo Epson, Sharp, TMD | Japan |
| Video processor chip | Samsung | Korea |
| Touch screen overlay | Balda | Germany |
| Bluetooth chip | Cambridge Silicon Radio | UK |
| Chip manufacture | TSMC, UMC | Taiwan |
| Baseband IC | Infineon Technology | Germany |
| WIFI Chip | Marvell | USA |
| Touch screen control chip | Broadcom | USA |
| CMOS chip | Micron | USA |
| NOR Flash ICs | Intel, SST | USA |
| Display Driver chip | National Semi, Novatek | US, TW |
| Case, Mechanical parts | Catcher, Foxconn Tech | Taiwan |
| Camera lens | Largan Precision | Taiwan |
| Camera module | Altus-Tech, Primax, Lite On | Taiwan |
| Battery Charger | Delta Electronics | Taiwan |
| Timing Crystal | TXC | Taiwan |
| Passive components | Cyntec | Taiwan |
| Connector and cables | Cheng Uei, Entery | Taiwan |
Note: This article is based on information supplied by KGI Securities, CLSA Asia-Pacific, published media reports, and other sources in Asia.
Update June 30: Some of the first iPhones sold have been dismantled, and more information about components is emerging. For example, iFixit identifies Samsung as the manufacturer of the main NAND flash chips, and SkyWorks as the designer of the mobile radio amplifier. Think Secret has also carried out an iPhone teardown - in the linked photo the large chip at the bottom of the shot is the Samsung flash chip.
Apples specialised brand of
Apples specialised brand of marketing BS FTW
That's what makes the real money
You realize that this
You realize that this article is probably not intended to make Apple look like it's lying by saying it's just Apple... because then it would be something like the Apple-Sharp-Samsung ect... iPhone. And of coarse I hope you don't get the idea that Apple is the only manufacturer who builds their products out of other companies chips, Because dell does it, IBM does it, heck, my Dodge has something near the motor that says Ford on it????
VERY interesting analysis
thanks for doing the work of analysing all that. I've been so curious to know what bits and pieces make up the iPhone. However, the article leaves one question unanswered -- who makes the CPU?
We should know very soon.
We should know very soon. Keep an eye on companies like iSuppli, which specialize in this kind of data. The strongest rumors suggest Marvell makes a CPU, using an Xscale RISC core originally developed by Intel. But the interview where an Italian Intel exec made that claim appears to have been edited to remove it
iphone
i want to know dat what is the price of apple iphone?(indian currency)
Interesting info. Cheers.
I wonder what working conditions and pay is like for these mysterious manufacturers, after the iPod sweatshop scandal.
Pretty much all computer
Pretty much all computer components are like this. The chips are made at different places and assembled elsewhere and probably tested at a different place.
This is Global manufacturing at its best coordination.
Foxcon
WSJ just published an article about Foxcon where they confirm them to be the final assembler. Very interesting read. Forbidden City of Terry Gou: His complex in China turns out iPhones and PCs, powering the biggest exporter you've never heard of
Rich
www.allroadsleadtochina.com
Not a shocker!!!!
Not a shocker!!!!
Assembling Country
I want to know where is the iphone made in(assembeled)? Is it in China?
If there is more than one country, may i know that pls?
Regards,
Dosari
Assembled
assembled in taiwan
iphone
i want to give me a price for one iphone delivery to cyprus.thanks
APPLE IPHONES 3G 16GB
I SELL THE APPLE IPHONES IF YOU NEED ONE PLEASE CONTACT ME AT WALKER_MELISSA@YMAIL.COM
shipped from China
I just ordered 2 iphones on the internet and the shipping information shows that it's shipping from Shenzhen, China.
As you said you ordered
As you said you ordered Iphone from China , I'd like to know if the products that you recieved is the original Apple iphone or a copy.
Pleae kindly advise.
Many thanks in advance
iphone
hi my name is gana from canada as i understand the two iphone you recived was it orinigle of copy if copy does it work as good as the original
kindly reply
gana
When you received the Iphone
When you received the Iphone you ordered from China , please kindly tell me if it is the original or copy.
Many thanks.
can you give me the web site
can you give me the web site and the price you bought i can buy and is it original and reliable plz
regards
gana
Iphone
Hi, how did your transaction go? If you had a successful purchase, I would like to know.
Richard
There's nothing new in a
There's nothing new in a marketing company using suppliers from all over the world. Many of the world's biggest brand names actually make nothing - they are simply marketing organisations. So good on Apple for bringing it all together.
But, for what it's worth, I bought an iPhone in Hong Kong and when the software boots up it says Sony!
Is it a fake?
fake iphone?
really? it says sony? it sounds like it could be fake, cuz no will in hell would apple make an iphone boot up as sony.
also, there are a lot of fake iphones floating around china.
well, the most important thing is does it work good?
iphone origins
Apple does not "bring it all together". Just because it makes the final decisions and markets the product does not mean it brings it all together, any more than a CEO brings it all together (the people under him or her are responsible for getting things done). Multiple entities all around the world are responsible not only for the manufacture, but also the DESIGN and CREATIVE energy behind the iPhone as well as most cutting edge gadgets. So, article gets it wrong when it says that "Apple, of course designs the product". So many of the components, like the touchscreen and memory storage, are so complex that they are essentially created and designed separately, by firms with expertise in those respective areas. Like the hard disk or flash memory, designed by Toshiba. Also, the article gets it wrong about Balda being responsible for the touchscreen. A recent article revealed that it was actually Balda's Taiwanese partner, TPK Holding, that created the unique technology for the touchscreen.
NO 100% ORIGINAL IPHONE IN CHINA
Hello everyone,
As a honest chinese,i must tell you in china NO 100% original iphone.Now in china market,All iphone have been changed by change software so that they can be worked with sim card from china phone operater. But many many buyer think there are 100% original iphone in china and even many many seller ON ALIBABA sell copy as original and promise they are 100% original. Pls be careful,my friend!!
LEO
leobiz83@hotmail.com
Iphones
So no Chinese companies sell the real Apple iphones? Please tell me. Thanks, Ron
IPHONE FROM CHINA
I am looking to buy alot of IPHONES from china for resale in the Brazilian Market. The seller tells me that they come with a one year warranty from Apple. How can I verify this?
Iphones From China
I only dealt with one who claimed to have original iphones. I had the same idea as you. They are not original and you will have a problem programing them too. think about it before doing so. I would travel and see what i am buying and i don't think its worth it.
David, Could you let me know
David,
Could you let me know how you get on I am looking to do the same in the UK!
Have you recieved any genuine iPhone's if so whats the sellers details?
Thanks in advance
Matt
Thanks for the great info
wow, with all the names of the suppliers, maybe we can contact them and make our own iphone!
iphoneunlockers.org
where i can buy lot of
where i can buy lot of iphones and itouch?
Not surprising this product
Not surprising this product is a global effort. Lots of innovative companies.
can iphone be use by unlocking the code
hi could u tell guys how to use by doing unlocked
dear partner i would like to
dear partner
i would like to have the list of people who got made for ipod and works for iphone
iam looking for ipod and iphone accesories
best regards
guy
The Iphones in china are not original.
Just get a plan with at&t and get your iphone this way. I ordered two iphones and they are not original they look like it but are not. Infact i am having trouble getting it to work. I am going to return them.
Iphone
You cannot buy original Apple Iphones in China
Plain and simple
Iphone
You don't know what you are talking about.
You can indeed buy "original" Apple iPhones in China, just not from Apple, most of them are already hacked. But you can also buy them directly from Apple in Hong Kong without a carrier contract (Apple "unlocked") - all you need to do is order from the Apple Store online and have it delivered (overnight) to an HK address, and you can put any SIM in it. I got mine that way.
iphone
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION WILL IT BE OK FOR YOU TELL HOW MUCH DID YOU BUY THE IPHONE FOR I DONT HAVE A ADDRESS IN HONK KONG HOW CAN I SHIPPE IT CANADA I WOULD APPRICATE A SUGGESTION
THANKS REGARDS
GANA
hey how was that
hey how did you do that and was it cheap?
Do you have any seller
Do you have any seller details for bulk orders?
how can u tell if is
how can u tell if is original ,who made it
Manufacturers
Hi I am developing something for my personal use. I need these companies help. Can anyone help me?
Touch screen Ipod / Iphone
Hi,
I am obviously looking for touchscreen handset (looks like the Apple Iphone) to buy in big quantity. It does not need to be original but obviously need to work just as one. Would most probably get it from China. Could that be possible?
The obvious reason if that I need them as a much lower price than then original Apple as I need to customise them.
If yes, any contact you could help with?
Thanks
need to buy 1300-1500 Iphones for European Market
I need to buy 1300-1500 Iphones for European Market.
Can anyone tell me where to buy original unlocked Iphones wholesale?
Apple's Factory Officially Unlocked 3G iPhone 16 BG Model MBxxx
There are virtually no real sources in China.
I can provide the original Apple Official Factory unlocked 3G iPhone 16 Gb in Black or White in a fully factory sealed box as Model Number MB xxx.
It is fully operative with any pay as you go SIM and can be firmware upgraded 2.2.1 + via Apple's authourized site(s) "Officially" without fear of re-locking the phone - ever.
What is your target price for the real European version;
i. FOB Hong Hong?
ii. CIF Europe?
You can reply to if serious.
Apple iphone buying
Hey
i heard you can get me cheap iphone 3g 16GB on demand? how much would it be to buy? Price per phone??
European version please?
Thanks
Chris
I phones for European Market
I'm looking to buy ORIGINAL Apple 16GB unlocked iphones for european market. I'm looking to purchase 1000 units per month. If anybody has insight on where I can purchase, it would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi Hyarma, I am very
Hi Hyarma,
I am very interested in making a bulk order for the UK Market, can you provide me any further details?
Kind Regards
Matt
The Real Authenic Truth about No APPLE China iPhones
Hi Matt;
Sorry for the lengthy delay in replying.
I have travelled extensively and checked directly with many so called original iPhone suppliers.
Sadly there are none. All 1:1 are simply copies using a similar case or similar looking set of menus more or less. ALL and I mean every last one of the sites claiming original factory new unlocked APPLE 3G or 3GS iPhones are fakes and have the plastic touch screen, MTK or other lesser motherboards and very slow micro processor speed - 50 -250 Mhz. THe software is not even close to Apple's and the browswer if present is - limited. Most do not even have Wi Fi and some that do have a scaled down version or one that is mot 802.11 a or b or especially g compatible.
The 2G styled and the 3G styled iPhones with the " Glass" screns and the Apple firmware 2.2 or 2.2.1 or even the upstaged 3.0 are ALL refurbished ones.
Refurburbished means this - the used returned or stolen iPhones that have been returned traded-in or otherwise confiscated are being "recycled" in small numbers like 10 - 50 per week - maybe less maybe more. These APPLE chipsets have already in some cases been registered with the APPLE database and have already received the handshake 15 digit code back so they will never be bricked when updated via iTunes.
These refurbished iPhones in spanking new cases and screened with new labelling are sold as new BUT they are not truely brand new as any Western user would expect.
Many many Chinese are becoming very wealthy off of the scam schemes that too many foreigners are falling for.
There is no rule of law here and once your money leaves so does the possibility of recovery. Compouding the problem is there is no word for "LYING" in Chinese . So there is never any lies being told - only stories that best suit the Chinese point of view or best fit their final outcome. We, as foreigners, are simply foddder to be masticated until of no further use.
I am trying to see if I can get a distributorship for some of the Branded phones but it prove dificult as the resitrictions are quite steep.
If one is looking for good or even accptable quality copy iPhones it is possible to supply samples and then larger orders in the 1000;s however importing copies is problematic when inspected.
Having them arrive in a free trade zone for repacking does help but you may need to have a co-operative Customs Agent working alone side you if they are to be staying in Europe, USA or Canada.
The cheapest copies I would offer would be for around 150.00. The top of the line ones with a 450+ Mhz CPU, Windows Mobile 6+ and the correct WiFi along 6-10 pages of menus with 25-30 applications will run as high as US $500.00
Then there is always the micro SD T Flash with true 8 GB adding in almost 20.00 plus shipping.
Cheap phones are simply a PIA and the Authentic Originals mostly a pipe dream even when purchase in Hong Kong. So the midle ground is wide open for scams and trickery when left to the newly web connected Chinese.
I think most have wisened up to the Nigerian - West African fiascos and should soon be staying ahead of the latest players here in mainland China.
I can always be reached at if I can be of any additional help.
Cheers;
apple iphones
hi we are in the uk and looking to find a supplier of geniune apple iphone not fakes or copys we have over 50 customers looking to buy these phones.please reply
Regarding 3g iphones
Hi,
I am a serious buyers if you can supply genuine 3G iphones.
What I really care are two things:
First, how can you provde what you have are really 3g iphones?
Second, what is your price range for each quantity?
Thank you very much & Looking forward to doing long term business with you.
I can be reached at startupslife@gmail.com
Terran.
factory official unlocked iphones
I'm in NYC and am looking for a legitimate supplier of factory authorized, unlocked 3g iphones (not fakes from China) that allow for any carrier to be used, additional applications to be downloaded.
Are you a registered supplier? If so, where are you located, and how much per phone? I will need to order samples to verify quality. How can I order securely from you? I need a supplier that I can get phones from on a regular basis. What do you need from me to get this process started?
Please contact me as soon as possible via email initially.
Thanks,
Andi
I need more info
I have an electronic store in US, I ma interested on your information can you contact me?
paullajohnson@hotmail.com
regarding the iphones
i need to buy 50 units of iphone 3g 16gb white unlocked every week ..
i do also have a buying agent in hong kong if that helps ..
can you supply us ?
regards
Still looking for 50 units
Still looking for 50 units (3G 16GB) per week? Have you found a supplier? What are you looking to pay per unit?
Looking for real iphone supply
I am reseller and looking for who sell orignal Aplle iPhone 3G 16gb or 3g(S). Please contact to me at masteralan211@gmail.com. if you are serious.
iphone
pricing?
authentic apple iphones
I would like the information on the prices, MOQ, payment method, etc on the wholesale prices of the authentic iphones you sell.
Where is your business located, is it verifiable?
Buy Iphone 3G
Hello
I am lookin to purchase iphone 3g for customers in UK.
Can you help me with unlocked original Iphone 3G
Thankyou
Wayne Manley
UK
Where to buy Iphone in wholesale
Thanks for putting this wonderful article. However, how are the distributor/wholesaler in north america. There are tons of fake companies here
Thanks
Iphone
Where can i get original iphone with good price also?
I hold in my hand right now
I hold in my hand right now a truly non=authentic iphone. I'm not the owner though 5 minutes ago i tried to transfer some media file to it for my friend and i received an error msg from e phone saying there wasn't relevant space in the phone to accomodate the file. I immediately hit the net and yep i comply...i don't think original i phones are assembled in China. The one i was using says 'assembled in China' and should claims to have 8GB memory size.
inquiry about the price of original Apple Iphones
I have the requirement of original ,company sealed , brand new Apple iphones in
3g 8gb , 3g 16gb and 3g 32gb v2.3.
plz contact with me as soon as u can .
thanks
Apple 16Gb Iphones
Hi,
What is the price of the apple 16G iphones. I am interested in buying 10.Thnaks
iPhones
we can provide iPhone for under $470 bulk order
will check your 10
let me know more and what you've learned so far on sourcing, esp in UK, europe
we are currently expanding and need additional partners and direct sources as well
-jack
917 204 5099
nyattorneyjack@yahoo.com
iPhones
we can provide iPhone for under $470 bulk order
will check your 10
let me know more and what you've learned so far on sourcing, esp in UK, europe
we are currently expanding and need additional partners and direct sources as well
-jack
917 204 5099
nyattorneyjack@yahoo.com
I need more info
I am interested contact me as soon as you can
paullajohnson@hotmail.com
thx
apple iphones authentic ones
I am interested in your prices and payment method for the bulk or multiple orders of original iphones, MOQ/ thank you.
Genuine iPhone Bulk Purchase
Hi All,
I am looking for a supplier of the Apple iPhone 3G as advertised in the above thread.
It will be for the UK market initally, please get in contact with your email address and further details if you think you can meet my requirements!!
Kind Regards
Matt
Apple iphone 3G 8GB and 3G 16GB
We are looking for a regular supplier of the above iphones
for our client in UK.
Please let us know the origin, prices and delivery time.
We would also like to hear from suppliers who can supply once off.
Maria
www source-n-supply.co.uk
sourcensupply@yahoo.com
Inquiry about original Apple Iphones
HI Sir / Madam,
I have the requirement of latest original Apple Iphones unlocked , company packed means brand new with international warranty .
The modles are are below
3g 8gb
3g 16gb
3g 32gb.
thanks
best regards,
owais bawany
iPhones
tell me more
we have located sources, may be able to help
where are you located?
i'm in new york
-jack
917 204 5099
nyattorneyjack@yahoo.com
iPhones Unlocked for US delivery / Requirements Contract
need bulk iPhones, 4,000+ / Requirements Contract / have located alleged distributor in London but don't know if we can trust him / Anybody have a source? Need proper business person who understands transactions / willing to visit in person, London, NY, you tell me // unlocked, delivery to NewYork, unit price under $200 ?? Please Advise Anybody who has insight on this
jack 917 204 5099 nyattorneyjack@yahoo.com
iPhones
Hey Jack, did you ever find a resource for iphones? If so, were they real or fake? I am looking for a supplier.
Richard
buy apple Iphone
I'm resellr, looking for who sell authentic Aplle Iphone 3G 8gb & 16gb. Please contact to me at theartoflacquer@hotmail.com if you are serious.
Thanks
Xuan
theartoflacquer@hotmail.com
Iphone 3G 16GB
Hello we need Original Apple Iphone 3G 16GB for Germany 2000-3000pcs per month but only Original for europe.Please contact us if one can sell for good price.
integrated circuits
Is cambridge Silicon Radio the only manufacturer of intergrated circuits for the Iphone?
iphone
i want to buy an 3g apple iphone16gb from hongkong..what's the selling price?how can i buy it?
Need genuine suppliers uk
Hi, I'm after genuine iPhones wholesale to the uk. Alls you seem to get on the Internet are copies. Just looking to order a few at first then increase the amounts bought monthly. If anyone can help please get in touch. Katiekatjas1@yahoo.com
Thanks
iPhone vs HiPhone
Hi,
I agree with what has been said, most of the iPhone you may buy from China Mainland will more or less good copies. U may get more chance if you buy it in HongKong... may I advise you to go buy it yourself..
Anyway, if any of you think it's a pain to try to get genuine iPhone for cheap (just a dream, Apple sealed tge supply chain carefully I think) you may take a look at HiPhones. Go to our website and check the HiPhones, here is a direct link to the product line:
lightinthebox.com/wholesale-HiPhone_c1498
Good luck to all of you
I'm a supplier of original
I'm a supplier of original apple iphone 3G 8gb for $400 USD and I just got apple iphone 3G S (16gb) for $750 USD, iphone are base in the U.K if anyone is interested feel free to contact me at ghcomp08@yahoo.com
Original IPhone
I'm a supplier of original apple iphone 3G 8gb for $400 USD and I just got apple iphone 3G S (16gb) for $750 USD, iphone are base in the U.K if anyone is interested feel free to contact me at ghcomp08@yahoo.com
Russian Components, American
Russian Components, American Components, German Components, all the world components
95% Made in Taiwan
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