WSJ: Apple preparing 70M to 80M combined iPhone 6 units for biggest launch ever
Apple has reportedly asked partner suppliers in Asia to ramp up mass production of expected 4.7- and 5.5-inch "iPhone 6" models, with combined orders for both versions amounting to between 70 million and 80 million units.
"iPhone 6" and "iPhone 6c" concepts by Martin Hajek.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reports Apple is asking suppliers to produce between 70 million and 80 million 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 models by the end of December, the biggest initial handset order in company history.
As noted by the publication, the supposed order is much larger than the initial production run for combined iPhone 5s and 5c models, which came out to between 50 million and 60 million units in 2013.
In addition to the expectedly large launch offering, or offerings, Apple is reportedly asking suppliers to ready components for up to 120 million iPhones by the end of 2014 to compensate for possible display failures. With larger 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens, display makers are said to be seeing yield issues due to the inclusion of advanced in-cell touch technology. The overall figure is huge compared to last year, which saw Apple prepare parts for 90 million iPhones for its supply chain, sources said.
It appears Apple may already be experiencing manufacturing delays, however, as the people said Foxconn and Pegatron are expected to start production of the 4.7-inch version in August. Foxconn is supposedly responsible for all 5.5-inch iPhone 6 orders and will begin manufacturing the "phablet" in September, suggesting the handset will not see release until October at the soonest.
The report contrasts a recent rumor that pegged iPhone 6 production to begin this week for the smaller version, while the larger next-gen model would hit the assembly line in August.
"iPhone 6" and "iPhone 6c" concepts by Martin Hajek.Citing sources familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reports Apple is asking suppliers to produce between 70 million and 80 million 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 models by the end of December, the biggest initial handset order in company history.
As noted by the publication, the supposed order is much larger than the initial production run for combined iPhone 5s and 5c models, which came out to between 50 million and 60 million units in 2013.
In addition to the expectedly large launch offering, or offerings, Apple is reportedly asking suppliers to ready components for up to 120 million iPhones by the end of 2014 to compensate for possible display failures. With larger 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens, display makers are said to be seeing yield issues due to the inclusion of advanced in-cell touch technology. The overall figure is huge compared to last year, which saw Apple prepare parts for 90 million iPhones for its supply chain, sources said.
It appears Apple may already be experiencing manufacturing delays, however, as the people said Foxconn and Pegatron are expected to start production of the 4.7-inch version in August. Foxconn is supposedly responsible for all 5.5-inch iPhone 6 orders and will begin manufacturing the "phablet" in September, suggesting the handset will not see release until October at the soonest.
The report contrasts a recent rumor that pegged iPhone 6 production to begin this week for the smaller version, while the larger next-gen model would hit the assembly line in August.
Comments
Yes.
Yes.
OK ... a link please !
Yeah, I have a feeling that once again, I'm still going to be waiting for 2 months after I order it until I get my phone. The only iPhone I've ever been able to get within launch week was the original one.
Sure.
The biggest problem I see with the staggered release of the two models (hope they're able to avoid that), is all the people who may be on-the-fence about which size they really want.
"Hey, I'm not going to buy a new iPhone until I can hold both sizes in my hand, side by side, and then make a decision."
Unless I feel that holding a 4.7" iPhone is all I need to make that decision then I might do that. That said, I don't think that's a big issue for Apple, expect for launch weekend and first quarter sales figures as the analysts might predict doom and gloom, but over all not a big issue for Apple since these customers are going to buy an iPhone either way.
"Hey, I'm not going to buy a new iPhone until I can hold both sizes in my hand, side by side, and then make a decision."
Or "Hey, I'm not going to buy a new iPhone until I can try fitting both sizes in my pocket, and then make a decision."
?The pocket size issue will be a deal-breaker for many.
I'm going to pre-order the 4.7" iPhone "6" for exactly that reason.
(If the rumors of a 4.7" screen are true.)
Or "Hey, I'm not going to buy a new iPhone until I can try fitting both sizes in my pocket, and then make a decision."
?The pocket size issue will be a deal-breaker for many.
I'm going to pre-order the 4.7" iPhone "6" for exactly that reason.
(If the rumors of a 4.7" screen are true.)
I already thought about this. I borrowed a friend's 6" LG Flex for a few minutes and put it in my pocket, walking around and sitting in my car. For me, the size won't be an issue.
I'm ready to go for an iPhone 6, and put my iPhone 5 on eBay. it's been a great iPhone but it's time to move on.
The other quiet area is regarding the iPad update. It's almost a given that it will have the updated SoC and Touch ID, but what else is gonna be added to the device??
Whatever will be released this Fall, it's gonna be another nice Christmas for Apple. Ho, ho, ho!
I agree. Heads Apple wins, tails Apple doesn't lose.
They will actually go way over 100MM when you add in the low cost options of a 5s and 5c....
By coming out with two iPhones last year and two more this year, Apple will still offer the total 4 current models offering like last year only with much more modern architecture (dropping the 4s).
For what it's worth, I still haven't see a 5c in the wild.
The biggest problem I see with the staggered release of the two models (hope they're able to avoid that), is all the people who may be on-the-fence about which size they really want.
"Hey, I'm not going to buy a new iPhone until I can hold both sizes in my hand, side by side, and then make a decision."
Bob, your kind is becoming scarce. Adhere to your principles.
NEWS BULLETIN: Patience died leaving Anticipation stranded on a desert island.
tl;dr
My brother has a 5C plus I've seen a few of them in public and work.
I have seen dozens.
I see them all the time and know many people that own them. They stand out due to their high gloss colours.
Gotta get those page views, WSJ!
The biggest problem I see with the staggered release of the two models (hope they're able to avoid that), is all the people who may be on-the-fence about which size they really want.
"Hey, I'm not going to buy a new iPhone until I can hold both sizes in my hand, side by side, and then make a decision."
Unless I feel that holding a 4.7" iPhone is all I need to make that decision then I might do that. That said, I don't think that's a big issue for Apple, expect for launch weekend and first quarter sales figures as the analysts might predict doom and gloom, but over all not a big issue for Apple since these customers are going to buy an iPhone either way.
Yeah. When I talk about Apple and "issues" or "problems", I'm almost always really referring to "media", "analysts", and "perception".