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White iPhone 4 still on schedule but could see supply issues

Though Steve Jobs assured users waiting for the white version of the iPhone 4 that the device is still on schedule to ship at the end of July, reports around the Web suggest Apple could see some major supply issues and availability could be limited.

Joe Aimonetti MacFixIt Editor
Joe is a seasoned Mac veteran with years of experience on the platform. He reports on Macs, iPods, iPhones and anything else Apple sells. He even has worked in Apple retail stores. He's also a creative professional who knows how to use a Mac to get the job done.
Joe Aimonetti
White is on the way, but how many? Apple

Though Steve Jobs, after handing out free Bumpers to current iPhone 4 customers, assured users waiting for the white version of the iPhone 4 that the device is still on schedule to ship at the end of July, reports around the Web suggest Apple could see some major supply issues and availability could be limited.

Translated from Chinese newspaper 21st Century Business Herald, manufacturing issues for the white iPhone 4 are apparently related to problems with painting the glass surfaces of the device at the Lens Technology manufacturing plant (where iPhone 4 glass is processed, pressed, and painted).

According to Engadget, "a worker from Lens' quality control department has allegedly admitted that the company's screen-printing workshop may currently be dealing with some issues with the white iPhone 4 covers."

This could be the biggest issue regarding iPhone 4 availability moving forward. If Lens Technology is not able to keep up with the potentially huge demand for white iPhone 4s (remember, over 3 million black iPhone 4s have already been sold), Apple could have yet another public-relations matter to deal with. It is reported that Lens Technology machines can only produce three iPhone 4 glass units per hour, less than half of Apple's supply needs.

Are you waiting for the white iPhone 4? Will you line up to ensure you get one when the release date is announced? Let us know in the comments!