Word has hit the wire that Sharp has fallen behind schedule on production of LCD displays for Apple's upcoming iPhone 5. Sharp is one of the three suppliers of the new LCD iPhone panels, the other two are Japan Display and LG Display. Exact details about the new screen aren't available yet, but according to the rumor mill it's a 4" screen, a half-inch larger than current displays, and with more available screen space because of a taller form factor. CNET notes its unclear if Sharp's production issues will have an impact on the iPhone 5's supply after launch.
According to Reuters, quoting an unnamed source, Sharp is battling high costs and manufacturing difficulties that have cut into the profit the display maker will make on screen production, and as a result Apple may provide further "financial incentives" to speed up production.
According to a story in the Wall Street Journal it remains "unclear" when the Sharp can start shipping the panels, and whether or not the manufacturing problems may affect supply after launch.
