Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 12 mini production amid tepid demand
Apple has informed partner suppliers that it has reduced iPhone 12 mini production plans for the first half of 2021, with manufacturing of some specialty parts suspended altogether, according to a report on Wednesday.
Citing industry sources familiar with the matter, Nikkei reports major suppliers were recently informed of the production shift that marks a change in Apple's procurement strategy. Prior to the reported downward revision, the tech giant was aggressively buying semiconductors, printed circuit boards and displays amid a worldwide parts shortage.
Apple is targeting output at around 75 million iPhone units for the first half of 2021, down 20% from December 2020, the report says. Much of that downgrade is blamed on iPhone 12 mini. Nikkei sources note that demand for other iPhone models like the iPhone 12 Pro remains strong.
Today's report echoes rumblings out of Apple's Asian supply chain in January when Pegatron supposedly saw reduced orders for the diminutive iPhone. Foxconn, which is tasked with assembling the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, received an increase in orders for those models during the same period.
Apple introduced iPhone 12 mini last fall as an alternative to its flagship range, which has over the years entered into "phablet" territory. Though it sports a modest 5.4-inch display, the 12 mini integrates all the trappings of a modern iPhone including 5G connectivity, A14 Bionic processor, dual 12MP cameras with optical image stabilization, Face ID authentication and more.
Word of a soft demand first surfaced in November with TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo modeling lower than expected demand.
Citing industry sources familiar with the matter, Nikkei reports major suppliers were recently informed of the production shift that marks a change in Apple's procurement strategy. Prior to the reported downward revision, the tech giant was aggressively buying semiconductors, printed circuit boards and displays amid a worldwide parts shortage.
Apple is targeting output at around 75 million iPhone units for the first half of 2021, down 20% from December 2020, the report says. Much of that downgrade is blamed on iPhone 12 mini. Nikkei sources note that demand for other iPhone models like the iPhone 12 Pro remains strong.
Today's report echoes rumblings out of Apple's Asian supply chain in January when Pegatron supposedly saw reduced orders for the diminutive iPhone. Foxconn, which is tasked with assembling the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, received an increase in orders for those models during the same period.
Apple introduced iPhone 12 mini last fall as an alternative to its flagship range, which has over the years entered into "phablet" territory. Though it sports a modest 5.4-inch display, the 12 mini integrates all the trappings of a modern iPhone including 5G connectivity, A14 Bionic processor, dual 12MP cameras with optical image stabilization, Face ID authentication and more.
Word of a soft demand first surfaced in November with TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo modeling lower than expected demand.
Comments
Had to get mine from an official Apple Store in Thailand as the local approved reseller iStudio (who offers higher trade-in for your old phone) didn't have the 256Gb model in stock... and they still don't, 6 weeks or so later.
The Mini is lovely, as is a Flolab screen protector.
very happy with mine. Just what I was waiting for.
is that all? Why should anyone be surprised that orders decline 20% after the launch quarter? These chaps are stock manipulating.
Ugh it's ridiculous these "forecasts" of sales.
iPhone 12 mini is the best size there is. One user mentioned and I agree with him: Apple should make a mini Pro, and actually, what I would really love is if they go back to their roots and start making 4" phones again.
I would still be using my 5s if it weren’t for the fact I broke it. That thing was TOUGH too. Smacked it into the ground numerous times. (Still works by the way the screen is just dark and has lines across it)
I have big hands and my iPhone 6s is too big to use. I have to stretch my thumbs to the limit for one-handed use. I can’t imagine how people with little hands are using these enormous iPhones!
Give me a screen the size of the iPhone 5 or even BETTER give me a screen the size of the iPhone 5 screen with notch or no notch and TouchID lock button.
People who’ve been waiting for the real “iPhone SE 2” (not the lost iPhone 9 we got) have been waiting forever. Maybe we’ll never get it but these new iPhones are gigantic.
I think there is a legitimate market for this size - but Apple so frequently make the most compelling feature of the iPhones their cameras. The mini is lacking here. I would have definitely gone for it if it had the 3-camera set up. It felt just too similar to my iPhone X to justify the "upgrade".