Apple has purportedly had to buy 200-300 glass slicing machines for the curved cover of the upcoming iPhone 5, according to sources in Taiwan.
The Cupertino company, famous for getting what it wants when it wants it, has apparently been told if it wants the curvy glass covers, it will have to buy the manufacturing machines itself, as Taiwanese suppliers have expressed reluctance to make the investment for just one product.
The glass cutting machines are said to be expensive, although Taiwan based DigiTimes doesn’t give any cost estimates. Cost is obviously of no concern to Apple, however, which is reported to have gone out and bought its own glass cutting equipment.
Sources have said the machines are currently sitting at various assembly plants, ready to be brought online once the yield rates for the curved glass reach a satisfactory level.
