Apple mass producing 'AirTags,' about to begin 'iPhone 12' production

AppleInsider

A new report from the supply chain says that Apple has already begun "AirTags" mass production, plus it will soon ramp up "iPhone 12" manufacturing, and it's also increasing orders for iPads.

As rumors persist that Apple will announce the date of its "iPhone 12" event, a new report claims that production is now or shortly to be underway on Apple's "AirTags," certain models of "iPhone 12," and new iPads.

According to the Nikkei Asian Review, Apple has managed to shorten the coronavirus-induced production delays to weeks instead of months. The "iPhone 12" range is reported to be about to begin limited manufacturing, before ramping up toward the end of September or the start of October.

"We've managed to shorten the delay significantly and we are not stopping here," a supply chain executive reportedly said. "The final assembly for some models is still going to be early October, but we are working to keep moving the production as early as possible."

Backing up other recent rumors, Nikkei Asian Review says that the "iPhone 12" production is going to start with the expected 6.1-inch OLED "iPhone 12 Max." Reportedly this model amounts to 40% of all the 5G iPhone orders Apple has placed

It's claimed that Apple has ordered components for up to 80 million 5G iPhones, but two sources have told Nikkei Asian Review that it's more likely only between 73 and 74 million will be produced before the end of the year. The remainder will be produced in early 2021.

While production on the "iPhone 12" range builds up, Nikkei Asian Review also says that Apple is already mass producing the forthcoming "AirTags" accessory. Plus it has increased production for new iPads, reportedly aiming for 27 million devices between September and December.

That's claimed to be almost as many as Apple produced of its entire iPad range in July to December 2019.

Nikkei Asian Review sources also deny rumors of an annual refresh of the iPhone SE. Reportedly multiple sources say that there won't be a 2021 version.



Read on AppleInsider

Fatman

I really think Apple needs to adjust their annual schedule or even move to bi-annually - I understand this year is an anomaly, but production should start months earlier to ensure that iPhones can be in millions of people’s hands September 1st or better yet a second launch in March 1st.

22july2013

Fatman said:

I really think Apple needs to adjust their annual schedule or even move to bi-annually

Do you mean semiannual or biennial? https://www.dictionary.com/browse/biannual ;

fred1

22july2013 said:

Fatman said:

I really think Apple needs to adjust their annual schedule or even move to bi-annually

Do you mean semiannual or biennial? https://www.dictionary.com/browse/biannual ;

God question. And how can this word mean both? It always used to mean ‘every two years’. So confusing. 

foobar

Fatman said:

I really think Apple needs to adjust their annual schedule or even move to bi-annually - I understand this year is an anomaly, but production should start months earlier to ensure that iPhones can be in millions of people’s hands September 1st or better yet a second launch in March 1st.

I don't get it. How would a different schedule prevent delays? Of course they plan to start production much earlier. If things go south, you end up behind schedule, no matter what the schedule is.

Fatman

Webster’s definition ... twice a year. Two thoughts in my last post, start production earlier to ensure in hand Sept 1 AND add a second Spring release 6 months later... Maybe consumer models in the Fall and pro models in the Spring instead of 3 or 4 models all at once in the Fall. This will also help counter Androids being released by various companies every couple of months throughout the year. I believe that Apple just starting production is BS - a ploy to manipulate the stock price.

StrangeDays

Fatman said:

Webster’s definition ... twice a year. Two thoughts in my last post, start production earlier to ensure in hand Sept 1 AND add a second Spring release 6 months later... Maybe consumer models in the Fall and pro models in the Spring instead of 3 or 4 models all at once in the Fall. This will also help counter Androids being released by various companies every couple of months throughout the year. I believe that Apple just starting production is BS - a ploy to manipulate the stock price.

It’s not. You’re responding to an unverified rumor. Apple doesn’t manage its production schedules in attempts to manipulate the stock price. They don’t even need to, the stock is a success as is, they’re a $2T company. And they have never managed for the stock price. 

Rayz2016

StrangeDays said:

Fatman said:

Webster’s definition ... twice a year. Two thoughts in my last post, start production earlier to ensure in hand Sept 1 AND add a second Spring release 6 months later... Maybe consumer models in the Fall and pro models in the Spring instead of 3 or 4 models all at once in the Fall. This will also help counter Androids being released by various companies every couple of months throughout the year. I believe that Apple just starting production is BS - a ploy to manipulate the stock price.

It’s not. You’re responding to an unverified rumor. Apple doesn’t manage its production schedules in attempts to manipulate the stock price. They don’t even need to, the stock is a success as is, they’re a $2T company. And they have never managed for the stock price. 

Could be wrong, but I don't think he was accusing Apple of trying to manipulate the stock price. Though if he thinks that he's a better judge of when to roll out new products than Tim Cook then I fear he's sadly mistaken.

Fatman

Thanks Ray. Strange Days I was referring to market manipulation by those that want to see a fall in Apple stock price, of course not by Apple itself, why would they ever want to start a damaging rumor that their own core product is delayed? ... unless they have buybacks scheduled and are willing to take on massive risk for insider trading :-)

fastasleep

Fatman said:

I really think Apple needs to adjust their annual schedule or even move to bi-annually - I understand this year is an anomaly, but production should start months earlier to ensure that iPhones can be in millions of people’s hands September 1st or better yet a second launch in March 1st.

And why do they need to "ensure" that happens by September 1st? What does September have to do with anything?