Apple Anticipates Record iPhone Demand, Asks Suppliers To Prep 70-80 Million Large Screen Handsets
Apparently Apple is anticipating not only record demand for its next iPhone launch, but a near exponential rise in sales compared to previous models (slight exaggeration). Or perhaps Apple wants to avoid lengthy backorders -- either way, it's being reported that Apple has asked suppliers to ready between 70 million an 80 million iPhone 6 devices by the end of the year.
Citing "people familiar with the matter," The Wall Street Journal says the record number of iPhones requested is a combined order for two large screen handsets, one with a 4.7-inch display and a second version with a 5.5-inch display. Rumors of two different display sizes have been ongoing for several months now, though Apple has yet to announce a new iPhone model.
Apple's initial order of combined iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S devices was for between 50 million and 60 million units last year, far less than what it's being reported for the iPhone 6. Even so, Apple may still end up with a shortage of devices -- not only has iPhone demand been on the rise, but a large screen iPhone 6 that approaches phablet territory could attract a brand new audience.
This hasn't been an issue in the Android camp where there are smartphones available in a variety of sizes. Samsung has been especially successful with its larger screen devices, namely its flagship Galaxy S smartphones and Galaxy Note phablets.
Apple could potentially attract current Samsung handset owners to jump over to the iPhone with a larger screen display. In addition, the use of a sapphire composite panel that's more durable than Corning's Gorilla Glass could end up being another major selling point in Apple's favor.
Citing "people familiar with the matter," The Wall Street Journal says the record number of iPhones requested is a combined order for two large screen handsets, one with a 4.7-inch display and a second version with a 5.5-inch display. Rumors of two different display sizes have been ongoing for several months now, though Apple has yet to announce a new iPhone model.
Apple's initial order of combined iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S devices was for between 50 million and 60 million units last year, far less than what it's being reported for the iPhone 6. Even so, Apple may still end up with a shortage of devices -- not only has iPhone demand been on the rise, but a large screen iPhone 6 that approaches phablet territory could attract a brand new audience.
This hasn't been an issue in the Android camp where there are smartphones available in a variety of sizes. Samsung has been especially successful with its larger screen devices, namely its flagship Galaxy S smartphones and Galaxy Note phablets.
Apple could potentially attract current Samsung handset owners to jump over to the iPhone with a larger screen display. In addition, the use of a sapphire composite panel that's more durable than Corning's Gorilla Glass could end up being another major selling point in Apple's favor.
