Did Apple return 8 million iPhones to manufacturer?

Manufacturer Foxconn is once again under the spotlight, with Apple allegedly returning eight million faulty iPhones.

In a move which could cost Cupertino's largest manufacturer a whopping US$1.6 billion, Apple sent back the products "due to appearance of substandard or dysfunctional problems."

Reports in China Business claims the batch concerned included iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S models, throwing into question Foxconn's ability to produce the upcoming iPhone 5S devices.

That said, the newspaper wasn't 100% sure which products were affected, meaning the tech giant could be furthered hindered should it be the new iPhone 5S in question.

As reported in TechDay earlier this month, the controversial manufacturer started production on the new release after launching a recruitment drive across China.

But with Apple expected to reveal the new device as early as June, to directly compete the Samsung Galaxy S4, will the error leave a gaping hole in the supply chain?

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently claimed Apple will "surprise and shock us all" with a new line of products, but no products at all will be sure to send even greater ripples around Silicon Valley.

While no specific details were offered, suggesting the report is also a rumour at this stage, Foxconn's track record doesn't exactly scream efficiency.

After previously being in the spotlight for employing underage workers, inflicting poor working conditions and freezing recruitment, the manufacturer can ill afford a monumental cock-up of this scale.

Maybe it is all bull, or maybe it isn't - but one thing is for sure, Apple will be desperately trying to nip the incident in the bud and focus on knocking industry rival Samsung of it's perch.

Is Foxconn an efficient manufacturer? Should Apple reconsider the partnership? Tell us your thoughts below