Apple contracted Foxconn to manufacture Apple products per Apple's specs. SLTD could go this route if they'd like but then they would have to fund the tooling etc (which is what I think you are saying). SLTD does not want to go this route, they want to license the cell and have the manufacturer take on the risk on the manufacturing side. Maybe they will end up finding someone but the financial liability in a deal like this is huge.
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