Storage And Distribution | iPhone Commodity Chain (2024)

After workers craft the many pieces of the iPhone into the finished product it is “shipped to distribution centers around the world, including Australia, China, the Czech Republic, Japan, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S.” (The IPhone’s Secret Flights). Apple has warehouses scattered around the globe where the phones are stored in order to make the distribution process easier for them and more convenient for customers. Thanks to the lack of weight of the phones, transportation is made cheap and easy. Many other products that are heavier and bulkier than an iPhone have to be shipped via massive ships across the ocean. Due to the small size and weight of the iPhone, they can be shipped through the air in a cost effective manner since thousands of phones can be stored in the plane at once.

This aspect of the iPhone’s network of labor and production processes does not have much of an impact on the world. The distribution and storage of these iPhones does create jobs, which helps the global economy. One negative side of the mass distribution of this product is that the boats, trucks, and planes used to transport the iPhones do create atmospheric pollution.

Storage And Distribution | iPhone Commodity Chain (1)

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Storage And Distribution | iPhone Commodity Chain (2024)

FAQs

What is the Apple iPhone supply chain? ›

Apple works with global suppliers to acquire the necessary components to manufacture its products. These components are then transported to Apple's manufacturing facilities, where they are used to assemble finalized products. Once products have been assembled, they are sent to Apple's distribution centers.

How does Apple distribute their iPhone? ›

Apple Distribution

In 2023, most of Apple's sales (63%) came from indirect channels (comprising third-party cellular networks, wholesalers/retailers, and resellers). These channels are critical for sales amplification, scale, and subsidies (to enable the iPhone to be purchased by many people).

Who distributes iPhone? ›

– Foxconn sells the finished iPhones to Apple who then resells them to customers around the world.

Does Apple have a supply chain? ›

Apple products are made all over the world.

Thousands of businesses and millions of people in more than 50 countries and regions are part of our supply chain, contributing their skills, talents and efforts to help build, deliver, repair and recycle our products.

Is Apple supply chain really the No 1? ›

According to Gartner, Apple is a long-term supply chain leader. The Cupertino company has snatched the number one spot in the “Masters category” of the Top 25 global supply chain list since 2015.

How does Apple do distribution? ›

Apple implement multiple distribution channels including direct and semi-direct, company-owned stores and other authorised parties to distribute their products and services to their target customers and consumers.

How does Apple market and distribute their products? ›

Place or Distribution: Apple's marketing mix strategy channel takes advantage of both online and offline distribution channels. They sell their products through channels such as Apple Store locations, company-owned websites and online stores.

Where do the materials for Apple iPhone come from? ›

An iPhone is not only assembled in China, but it starts in that country at a much earlier stage and much deeper part of the earth. Ninety percent of rare earth minerals, naturally occurring solids whose combination comprises essential iPhone parts, are mined in China, notably in Mongolia.

Where is Apple's supply chain? ›

manufactures most of its products in China through partners like Foxconn. Apple's decision to outsource its manufacturing has received significant criticism, due to allegations of poor working conditions, long work hours, and other labor rights violations.

How do iPhones get transported? ›

Smartphones are small enough to be shipped by plane in huge quantities — and cost effectively. A single wide-body Boeing 747 can easily carry 150,000 iPhones tucked into its aluminum canisters.

Who is Apple's main suppliers? ›

What Is Apple's Largest Supplier? One of the largest suppliers for Apple is Foxconn. This Taiwan-based company, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, provides production and manufacturing of Apple's most popular products, including the iPhone.

What does iPhone storage store? ›

Apps: Installed apps and their content, and content stored in "On My iPhone/iPad/iPod touch" directory in the Files app, and Safari downloads. Photos: Photos and videos stored in the Photos app. Media: Music, videos, podcasts, ringtones, artwork, and Voice Memos. Mail: Emails and their attachments.

Where do iPhones store data? ›

The storage of an iOS device is NAND RAM chips that are soldered to the logic board. You originally asked if the storage with your personal data could be transferred and used on another device.

What materials are in an iPhone? ›

Components that make up an iPhone
  • Aluminium.
  • Iron.
  • lithium.
  • gold.
  • copper.
Feb 4, 2020

What is the Apple supply chain plan? ›

The Apple supply chain begins with the sourcing of raw materials. Apple works with suppliers around the world to source the components needed to produce its products. These components are then shipped to Apple's manufacturing facilities, where they are assembled into finished products.

What differences set Apple's supply chain for its iPhone product apart from competitors? ›

To differentiate from the competitors, Apple has used varieties of strategies to set Apple apart from its competitors. Apple has a close control on its entire supply chain while its competitors outsource the entire production management of supply chain.

Where does Apple supply their products? ›

manufactures most of its products in China through partners like Foxconn. Apple's decision to outsource its manufacturing has received significant criticism, due to allegations of poor working conditions, long work hours, and other labor rights violations.

Where is Apple moving its supply chain? ›

Apple's main supplier, the Taiwan based Foxconn has been moving more of its production out of China into India.

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