Following Tuesday’s report of production delays on the new iMac that have led to major shortages of the product at Apple Stores and resellers, new information late Wednesday from DigiTimes corroborates evidence that screen lamination issues at Apple supplier LG Display are to blame. The previous suggestion that screen production issues were preventing maximum levels of production was offered by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo late last year, but now industry sources speaking with DigiTimes confirm that LG Display has experienced very low yields for the component.
Sources claim that LG Display, which supplies displays of all sizes for many Apple products, has been facing issues with the screen lamination process that is part of the new iMac. This process reduces both thickness and glare and has produced displays that have been well-reviewed by those who have been able to receive one of the units. Unfortunately, it is also difficult to manufacture at Apple's quality standards.
The issue initially affected both models of iMac, although the smaller 21.5-inch model is reportedly less difficult to deal with and the supplier has solved most of the problems holding back strong yields. It is claimed that LG is now producing 300,000 to 400,000 units per month for the 21.5-inch iMac.
The 27-inch model, which has seen shortages that are noticeably more severe, is another story. LG is reportedly only able to produce 100,000 units per month, far below worldwide demand for the display.
As a result of these production issues, Apple this week revised shipping estimates for both iMacs, moving the 21.5-inch model to a wait period of 7 to 10 business days, and pushing the 27-inch model, which had already been delayed once from its initial “December” launch window, to February. Apple’s delays also happen to coincide with reports that LG Display expects to have solved the lamination problems by February.