Since 2020, Apple has adopted a microscopic QR labeling system on iPhone screens to help cut defect rates. Reports from information outlets describe this new approach as a way to monitor quality more precisely across production lines.
The reports indicate Apple invested several million dollars to design and deploy two distinct QR codes embedded during different stages of screen fabrication. The goal is to trace the origin of faulty parts and shield the company from unscrupulous suppliers. This dual-tracking method enhances accountability and supply chain integrity.
According to the sources, Chinese display makers Lens Technology and Biel Crystal supplied a large share of components, with a portion of parts deemed defective. Before labeling, an estimated percentage of parts could be recycled or replaced, raising costs to the company. After the QR labeling system went live, the observable defect rate declined, contributing to lower waste and more reliable assemblies.
One of the QR codes is extremely small, roughly the size of a grain of sand, consisting of 625 laser-engraved dots. Its position on the screen varies by device model. This tiny mark is used to identify and monitor potentially dishonest supplier behavior, such as component substitutions or counterfeiting at the production stage.
The second QR code, about the size of a pen tip, is placed at a different point in production. It helps Apple determine which supplier provided a faulty component and may carry additional details, including batch numbers, that pinpoint where a defective product originated. This level of traceability strengthens quality control and supports safer, more predictable supply chains.
Observers note that the strategy could influence how competitors, including Android rivals, respond to continuous improvements in device quality and component verification. The focus remains on safeguarding user experience by reducing defects and ensuring consistent performance across product lines.