Apple is known for paying great attention to detail and focusing on quality. But did you know that your iPhone has a hidden secret? Below its sleek design, there are not one, but two hidden QR codes. These tiny QR codes play a significant role in Apple’s manufacturing process, helping them save millions while maintaining top-notch quality.
The Secret QR Codes
As reported by The Information, Apple has been secretly including two QR codes in the glass screens of iPhones since 2020. One of these codes is so small that special equipment is needed to see it, while the other is about the size of a crayon tip and is located on the backside of the glass, near the device’s border. These QR codes are placed strategically during the manufacturing process to track each iPhone’s journey through production and minimize defects.
Why the Secrecy?
These QR codes are not some mysterious spy gadgets; they have a practical purpose. Apple places them during the manufacturing process to track each iPhone’s journey through production and minimize defects. Before the introduction of these QR codes, Apple was discarding three out of every ten displays due to defects, resulting in significant financial losses.
Saving Millions
By adopting this clever QR code system, Apple has transformed its production monitoring. The microscopic codes allow Apple to monitor the production rate and identify defective units accurately. This level of transparency has helped reduce the defect rate from 30% to just 10% for some iPhone models. Consequently, Apple has saved hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
These QR codes are so tiny that specialized equipment is required to see them. Apple’s engineers developed innovative techniques using microscopic lenses with ring lights to create codes that don’t compromise the screen’s integrity. The effort invested in developing these microscopic QR codes has paid off handsomely, allowing Apple to enhance the quality of iPhone screens, optimize production, and strengthen its relationships with suppliers.
Conclusion
The hidden QR codes in your iPhone are not just an interesting secret; they represent Apple’s dedication to quality and efficiency. While they may be microscopic, their impact on Apple’s manufacturing process is monumental. As you use your iPhone daily, remember that beneath its surface lies a hidden world of precision and innovation, ensuring you enjoy the best quality in the palm of your hand.
