Apple terminates cooperation with Coherent, UK wafer factory faces closure

Apple has terminated its supply agreement with Coherent, leaving a wafer factory in County Durham, England, at risk of closure or sale. The factory was once one of the largest microchip factories in the UK, mainly producing components for the iPhone's Face ID recognition system for Apple. Due to Apple's upcoming series of changes to the next generation of iPhones, orders to the factory have been stopped, resulting in the layoffs of more than 100 employees. The remaining 257 employees are still working at the factory to complete the remaining contracts. Coherent said it is conducting a strategic review and may close or sell the factory if necessary.