Sources: Foxconn tapped for 3G iPhone

Apple has decided on the long-term manufacturer for a new version of the iPhone, according to claims made today by stock market owners Dow Jones. The company's newswire agency said it had confirmed reports by Taiwan's Commercial Times newspaper that Hon Hai Precision Industry, better known as Foxconn, had been selected by Apple to produce a "more advanced" iteration of the cellphone. The contract will be exclusive, according to the anonymous Foxconn official cited as an authority, though the manufacturing of individual parts is expected to be the responsibility of partner firms.

The company source refrained from providing additional details of what the phone would involve, though most reports in the past have suggested a device with at least the addition of 3G cellular Internet access that would be compatible with both American and international phone networks. Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney this week claimed to be aware of a large-scale iPhone order that would include 3G and potentially a switch from an LCD to an OLED screen to save on battery power as well as overall thickness.

Foxconn is already known as the existing manufacturer for the iPhone and is also considered the largest individual manufacturer in Taiwan, making it a likely candidate for the production of high-volume electronics.

Apple declined to comment and typically doesn't make statements about unreleased products.

Filed under: iPhone
Other story tags: Foxconn