AppleInsider Staff
According to the latest rumblings out of the Far East, Apple is planning to debut the 4.7-inch version of its next-generation iPhone in August and may follow up with a larger model a month later.
Reuters on Friday pointed to a report from Taiwan's Economic Daily News that cited unnamed sources in Apple's supply chain as saying the hotly anticipated "iPhone 6" could be unveiled in August, one month earlier than the company's usual product cycle.
Light on details, the Taiwanese publication claims Apple will release the 4.7-inch version of its flagship handset before a larger 5.5-inch or 5.6-inch model debuts in September. Rumors of a 5.6-inch iPhone has been tossed out before — most recently in February by the same newspaper — though prevailing speculation points to a 5.5-inch screen size.
While initial market availability is unknown, sources expect Apple's partner suppliers to produce a total of 80 million iPhone 6 models by the end of 2014.
Friday's rumor adds to the near daily stream of supposed parts leaks, mockups and inside information regarding Apple's next iPhone. On Thursday, it was reported that Pegatron will be responsible for 15 percent of all 4.7-inch iPhone 6 orders, a change from Apple's usual reliance on Foxconn to build its premium tier handsets.
For 2014, Apple is widely expected to debut two new top-end iPhones with larger screens that appeal to a wider swath of consumers. Until today, most reports speculated that the smaller version of Apple's iPhone 6 would launch in September, while the larger iteration would see release months later due to issues related to display and battery yields.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
29 Comments
That sounds great since most OEMs unveil their devices during the IFA September event leaving August all to Apple.
A 4.7", 5.5" and now a 5.6" model? Apple is turning into a certain Korean company who shall not be named. /s
80 million iPhones in 4 months? What is Cook crazy? They sold 53 million this past Christmas quarter. So last year, if they released the 5s in August, they would have sold 70 million. This year, they are releasing 2 new sizes, are expanding into China Mobile daily, have tens of millions wanting a larger iPhone, and they plan on building 10% more? I know it's a rumor, but to think Apple will produce anything less than 110 million iPhone 6's is foolish. However, it's possible the 80 million figure refers to the 4.7" version only.
80 million iPhones in 4 months? What is Cook crazy? They sold 53 million this past Christmas quarter. So last year, if they released the 5s in August, they would have sold 70 million. This year, they are releasing 2 new sizes, are expanding into China Mobile daily, have tens of millions wanting a larger iPhone, and they plan on building 10% more? I know it's a rumor, but to think Apple will produce anything less than 110 million iPhone 6's is foolish. However, it's possible the 80 million figure refers to the 4.7" version only.
There was an article that mentioned that Apple had reached 500,000 iPhones a day in production, so if they were operating 24/7 at that level, they could produce 45 Million units in 3 months. So, hopefully they have/are going to increase that production level enough to meet these high production levels. They did off load MacPro production to the US, and I'm assuming they will be doing the same for the iMacs/MacMinis once they announce new refresh models later this year, which would at least free up the physical space to increase production levels. That's at least one logical way they might be able to reach that production level. I know it's ambitious, but time will tell how well they can meet the demand.
I just hope it doesn't take them 6 months to be able to ship new orders within 24 hours, which is ultimately the goal. I don't think Apple is going to have a demand issue as much as they might have a production issue and it permeates all of the way to each of the component mfg.
One shall never worry nor analyze the rumors. Unless u r working for S;?,!.&' or G&;&?,!,(