Apple places great importance on the relationship with its suppliers and the quality of service that they provide to the Californian company. If the product does not offer the desired performance and quality, Tim Cook’s guys have no qualms about cutting ties, always thinking that the client receives the best possible product.
This is why the Cupertino company has decided to suspend production of the bearing supplier Kersen, which supplied components for previous-generation MacBook Air models.
Problems with older MacBook Airs
This drastic measure is due to an alarming “defect rate” detected in August. This action not only reflects Apple’s concern about the quality of its productsbut also highlights the complexity of the supply chain in the technology industry.
The defective bearings in question were used in older MacBook Air models, meaning no affected devices have yet reached the market. However, these defects can take one to two years to manifest themselves, raising questions about long-term durability and reliability.
According to the report, the quality issues were identified during destructive testing, a key phase in quality control where components are subjected to extreme conditions to assess their performance. Unfortunately, it was discovered that the defects were present since the start of production.
Apple has responded to the situation by shifting orders for bearings to other suppliers to ensure that production of its MacBook Airs is not disrupted. However, this strategy could have long-term implications, not only for Kersen, but also for other suppliers that work with Apple. The company is known for its strict quality standards, and any failure can result in severe consequences for those who do not meet its expectations.
Apple’s costs, the reason
The report also notes that Apple’s “aggressive pricing tactics” with its suppliers could be one of the underlying causes of these quality issues. This strategy has been criticized on several occasions, as it can force suppliers to cut costs, which in turn could compromise the quality of components. The constant pressure to maintain competitive prices, especially in a market as dynamic as the technology market, can lead to decisions that, while economical, put customer satisfaction at risk.
Kersen’s suspension over quality issues raises a debate about the balance between cost cutting and quality assurance in the tech industry. Companies are seeking to offer more affordable products, but they should not compromise durability and reliability that consumers demand.
This incident could affect the perception of Apple, which although has a solid reputation, any quality problem can impact the loyalty of its customers. With an increasingly competitive market, Apple will have to reevaluate its relationship with Kersen and adjust their strategies supply chain. Its response to these challenges will be closely watched by the industry as it could set a precedent for other major technology manufacturers.
