Roger Fingas
Apple is likely building more iPhone 7 units than expected in the second half of 2016, particularly 7 Plus models, according to a new analyst memo seen by AppleInsider.
The company is liable to churn out closer to 75 million units by the end of the year instead of a previous estimate of 70 million, J.P. Morgan's Asia Pacific research team wrote, citing supply chain checks. The revision is based on a trio of broader factors as well, including "aggressive" U.S. carrier promotions, Apple launching in 28 countries (up from 12 for the iPhone 6s), and chief competitor Samsung botching the launch of the Note 7. Because of numerous battery fire incidents, Samsung was forced to recall the initial batch of phones.
It's not certain however whether Apple is seeing more iPhone 7 demand, or simply compensating for rapid global expansion and low inventory. J.P. Morgan analysts noted that even their revised numbers are low compared to the second half of 2015, when Apple built some 85 to 90 million iPhone 6s units.
Though there isn't much data yet, reports have suggested that the 7 Plus is proving popular despite its higher price. This is presumably because it's distinguished not just by a bigger screen but by its dual-lens camera, which enables 2x optical zoom.
iPhone 7 demand will likely stay "muted" because of a "lack of meaningful spec upgrades," J.P. Morgan concluded. Instead, Apple is predicted return to form with next year's iPhone, which may have an edge-to-edge OLED display.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
16 Comments
Dunno I grabbed the 7 and love it. Muted, I think not
Ordered the 7 Plus and coming from 6 Plus. Discovered today that its delivery is 1 week sooner than expected. *freu*
Truth be told, the 7 is pretty much on par with the 7 Plus.
Having a built in telephoto lens is great, and definitely a nice perk, but it shouldn't be enough to dictate which model someone gets. When you're not taking pictures you still have to carry it, hold it, use it, for everything else every single day. You ought to be getting the size you want, over any other consideration.
That said I bought a 7 Plus too.
"Muted"
- A10
- Significantly improved screen
- Water resistant and dust proof
- New haptics
- Improved camera. For Plus, dramatic
- Improved FaceTime camera
- Improved design (antenna lines, new colors)
- Double storage
- 3GB RAM (Plus)
- Stereo speakers with dramatic volume increase
- Faster LTE
- iOS 10 with long list of improvements
Give me a f*** break. This is huge improvement for the iPhone 6 and older target market.
yes, those lack of meaningful spec upgrades.... x2 CPU speed over 6 x3 GPU speed over 6 x2 speakers over 6 x3 cellular data speed over 6 x2 ram over 6 x2 storage over 6 If Intel released a machine with these improvements over a 2 yr old machine, for the same price, the press would be going absolutely mad and the stock would be through the roof.