Rumor: Apple prepping as many as 78 million 'iPhone 7' units for launch
Apple has reportedly instructed its supply chain to produce between 72 million and 78 million of the so-called "iPhone 7" in the run-up to that device's expected launch this fall.
If Apple does reach that figure, first noted by Taiwan's Economic Daily News, it will mark the highest launch target since the iPhone 6. That could mean that Apple views new features shipping with the iPhone 7 in the same category as the screen size jumps that came alongside the iPhone 6.
Unsurprisingly, Foxconn will reportedly continue to carry the mail when it comes to iPhone production. The Taiwan-based firm -- which bases its factories primarily in mainland China -- has hundreds of thousands of workers dedicated to Apple's mobile device business.
After reporting its first-ever quarterly iPhone sales decline last month, Apple watchers are looking toward the iPhone 7 to improve the company's fortunes.
Relatively little is known about the new iPhone, though it is expected to ship with an advanced camera setup that could include a dual-lens system. Rumors have consistently pointed toward an OLED-based display for future iPhones, though it's not clear whether such a component would make its way to the iPhone 7 or wait for one more generation.
If Apple does reach that figure, first noted by Taiwan's Economic Daily News, it will mark the highest launch target since the iPhone 6. That could mean that Apple views new features shipping with the iPhone 7 in the same category as the screen size jumps that came alongside the iPhone 6.
Unsurprisingly, Foxconn will reportedly continue to carry the mail when it comes to iPhone production. The Taiwan-based firm -- which bases its factories primarily in mainland China -- has hundreds of thousands of workers dedicated to Apple's mobile device business.
After reporting its first-ever quarterly iPhone sales decline last month, Apple watchers are looking toward the iPhone 7 to improve the company's fortunes.
Relatively little is known about the new iPhone, though it is expected to ship with an advanced camera setup that could include a dual-lens system. Rumors have consistently pointed toward an OLED-based display for future iPhones, though it's not clear whether such a component would make its way to the iPhone 7 or wait for one more generation.
Comments
I THINK Apple has a pretty good idea of upgrade/purchase patterns, vectored with the new specs/features. I'm saying, better than you do...
Do people own time machines or do they just lack vision?
6s sold more than the last S model. They did GREAT. The Apple pattern is Revolution, evolution, repeat. So expect iPhone 7 to outsell 6s.
True. I just can't wait to see the new innovations. I find it funny how when people can't think of anything new they assume Apple can't either.
Estimating sales months before a product is even announced is a risky business. You can't really know what 78 million people will do this fall, and you certainly can't know what the economic and political situation will be. They don't really know what all their competitors will do and how their phones will be received by the market. However, Apple does have some experience at this.
With Tim being a supply-chain expert, I'm sure any production orders placed by Apple stem from strong numeric modeling, not wishful thinking. As to whether the number of "72 - 78 million" is accurate... it's just a rumor. But whatever the true number is, I trust Apple's ability to forecast demand.
Either way, the phone will still sell fine by all standards. I just don't see Apple meeting or exceeding 6/6+ levels with a phone that looks similar with only CPU/GPU, minor camera (excluding the iPhone Plus/Pro?) upgrades. No doubt Apple has more in mind than current rumors indicate.
The rest of us know that the real upgrade is coming with the 8.
Exactly--- something got lost in translation... on launch day... don't think so. 70Mil the quarter makes sense. As others have noted-- its very possible for 'mature markets'... there may be stagnate or a decline in sales. But that is different than total sales
I think he meant "rude awakening". This is what happens when Korean trolls try to get a grasp on English colloquialism.
Their idea of upgrade/purchase patterns, vectored with new specs/features equated to 51 million phones sold, second highest quarter ever. I'm thinking you have no idea what you're talking about.