Apple reportedly dropping camera supplier O-Film after forced labor allegations

Apple has begun severing ties with iPhone camera module supplier O-film after learning the company had been using forced labor.

In July, the U.S. Department of Commerce had added O-Film to a list of companies implicated in human rights violations against Uighur Muslim minorities.

The Elec claims that Apple is only allowing the company to supply camera models for older iPhone models. This may hint that the Cupertino-based tech giant needs time to find a replacement, though it isn't quite clear from the source.

It is estimated that O-film Tech supplies about 10% of Apple's camera modules — a number that has declined over the last four years. LG InnoTek is said to supply about around 50% of what Apple needs for the iPhone, and Sharp fulfills about 30% of demand. Specific product mix between the trio isn't clear.

It was recently reported that Apple had been lobbying for changes to The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Apple has proposed extending compliance deadlines, releasing certain supply chain information to Congress and not the public, and requiring Chinese entities to be "designated" by the U.S. government as helping to surveil or detain Uighurs in Xinjiang.

Apple has disputed the claim, stating that it has the strongest supplier guidelines in the industry, and pointed out that it regularly audits its supply chain partners.

In 2019, Apple removed 18 smelters and refiners for violating conflict mineral code of conduct.

The Elec has a good track record in regards to Apple's moves within the supply chain. It has a notably poorer one as it pertains to Apple's future product plans. Thursday's report is more of the former, than the latter.

43 Comments

wood1208 2932 comments · 10 Years

About 3 years ago

Don't take away income from poor people. If you choose to manufacture in places where people are poor than overlook what's going on and let local goverment and society address it, not my investment in Apple.

JWSC 1203 comments · 7 Years

With so many unsubstantiated claims flying about in political circles and the blogosphere, it is difficult to know for certain if allegations like this are true. Mere association with something deemed unworthy or unjust can be taken as a declaration of guilt by many.

I trust Apple to do the right thing before any government agency, politician, or news organization.

mjtomlin 2690 comments · 20 Years

wood1208 said:

Don't take away income from poor people. If you choose to manufacture in places where people are poor than overlook what's going on and let local goverment and society address it, not my investment in Apple.

Did you miss the "forced labor" part? These aren't poor people being made to work long hours. These are an ethnically targeted group of people being rounded up, thrown into "re-education" camps, and sent off to work in factories against their will.

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

mjtomlin said:

wood1208 said:

Don't take away income from poor people. If you choose to manufacture in places where people are poor than overlook what's going on and let local goverment and society address it, not my investment in Apple.

Did you miss the "forced labor" part? These aren't poor people being made to work long hours. These are an ethnically targeted group of people being rounded up, thrown into "re-education" camps, and sent off to work in factories against their will.

IF it was really forced then you would be right.

But I would not trust the the U.S. Dept of Commerce to tell me what color black is -- particularly when it comes to China.   They, along with the Treasury Dept, have been the hub of implementing Trump's smear and hate campaign against China. And now, as their end nears, they are throwing as much fuel on the flames as they can.

And, as we are seeing so clearly now with our election, these clowns rely on allegations rather than evidence to complete their mission:   take down China.

The U.S. Dept of Commerce is one of many U.S. government agencies that will need to be decontaminated and depoliticized.

flydog 1140 comments · 14 Years

wood1208 said:

Don't take away income from poor people. If you choose to manufacture in places where people are poor than overlook what's going on and let local goverment and society address it, not my investment in Apple.

Maybe you should read the article carefully, and actually understand what is going on before making non-sensical comments.