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New iPhone may be delayed due to factory blast

China.org.cn, August 12, 2014

• Apple may have to postpone the debut of its iPhone 6, as its contracted manufacturer Foxconn has halted metal polishing work – known to be important in the production of the new iPhone.

  The suspension came after a deadly blast that claimed 75 lives in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province on Aug. 2, since which metal polishing work across the country has been suspended to carry out safety examinations.

  Foxconn is responsible for assembling the next-generation iPhone, and the process includes polishing the iPhone 6's aluminum cases. The factory has reportedly recruited 10 thousand new workers across China, which according to analysts, was to prepare the new iPhone.

  Although no official accounts have indicated the suspension of polishing work may affected the debut of the iPhone 6, sources familiar with the matter said that Apple may have to postpone the product launch till Oct. 14, almost one month later than the original date of Sept. 16.

  The iPhone 6 will come in two versions – one with a 4.7 inch screen and one with a 5.5 inch screen. Apple has required its contracted manufacturers to produce 50-70 million iPhones before the product launch.

  As the production of iPhone 6 may be affected by the Kunshan factory blast, insiders have speculated that Apple may launch the two versions on separate occasions to avoid what is known as "internal competition."

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