With the launch of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus this September, there has been an unprecedented demand for the new Jet Black model. Markets the world over are experiencing a shortage of supply for this model, and things seem to be even worse in India.
Now, to own an iPhone 7, money is not the only criteria. A bit of luck is also essential. The way the demand and supply chains of Apple are faltering worldwide, it looks like you will need an extraordinary stroke of luck to get your hands on a jet black iPhone 7 anywhere in India.
Why is the Jet Black iPhone 7 in such demand?
A news report claims that the love for the new jet black colour is only a part of the problem. While it does play a part, the real reason is the manufacturing process behind that mesmerising look.
Apple has mentioned in the specifications that the high-gloss jet black finish is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. As per a KGI Securities analyst, Jet Black models suffer from a ‘low casing production yield rate’ of 60-70%. For the layman, it means that 30-40% of the units do not pass Apple’s quality standards and must be retooled. This low yield rate is the prime reason that there are far less jet black iPhones in the market than there ought to be.
A Screwed up Market
According to an industry source, this year’s supply shortage is unlike the ‘regular’ shortage that come with every iPhone launch. Apparently, there are other problems in the supply chain as well. In plain vanilla terms, this year’s deficit is expected to be worse than last year’s iPhone 6S shortage. For now, you can safely expect a long, long waiting period for your jet black iPhone 7.
The KGI Securities analysis expanded: “Early shortage [is] not entirely due to market demand. […] However, with the number of countries in the first wave to debut the iPhone 7 rising to 28 this year, versus 12 for the iPhone 6S launch, we believe overall demand for iPhone 7 is lower than that of its predecessor. Regarding news of some mobile operators reporting pre-order growth for the iPhone 7 over last year’s 6S, we believe this is mainly attributable to market share gains for these mobile operators thanks to new promotions, rather than representing greater consumer demand.”
The Indian Conundrum
Apple is already having issues with the supply of the iPhone 7 models worldwide, and the phone has just launched in India. Thanks to appealing launch offers from Flipkart and Amazon, the demand has been more than predicted. This means the supplies will continue to fall behind the demand in India for couple of months at least.
If you have been saving your pocket money since aeons to pamper yourself with an iPhone 7, you’d better hurry. Even if you’re not looking for the jet black model, chances are you’d be put on a waiting list for other popular models like the 32GB Matt Black iPhone 7. So act now, or be prepared for a long wait!