Apple Taps iPhone 5c, SE Manufacturer to Help Meet Demand for 2017’s Refreshed iPhone Lineup

Cupertino is adding a third parts manufacturer to the supply chain gearing up for 2017’s iPhone lineup, according to a new report.

Winstron, the Taiwanese manufacturer that built the iPhone 5c and iPhone SE, has been tapped for upcoming flagship iPhone orders, according to the China-based Economic Daily News. Wistron will reportedly be a third supplier for an upcoming iPhone model, in addition to Pegatron and Foxconn. Conceivably, Apple is adding more manufacturers to its chain to ensure enough units are available when it comes time for the new iPhone model to launch.

The move isn’t too far out of the ordinary for Cupertino, however. In recent years, Apple has been trying to spread the manufacturing of each of its products among several different companies. This allows Apple to lower the risk of relying on a single manufacturer — all the while maximizing its profit margins, Cult of Mac reported.

Winstron hasn’t commented on the rumor, but it did recently announce that it was increasing its total investment in Kunshan, China from $135 million to $200 million. The company’s Kunshan manufacturing plant has been focusing on producing mobile devices, PatentlyApple reported.

This rumor is noteworthy because it would mark the first time Winstron has been tapped for an Apple flagship. Historically, the Taiwanese company — which spun off from Acer in 2000 — has been involved only in the construction of cheaper iPhone models, like the 5c and SE, according to AppleInsider.

Apple is largely rumored to release three iPhone models next year. In addition to a pair of iPhone 7 refreshes, the company is also expected to launch a premium model of phone expected to be called the iPhone 8. This high-end model is rumored to feature a flexible OLED screen, wireless charging capabilities, glass construction, and an edge-to-edge, bezel-less design.