Apple ups 2008 iPhone 3G build orders to 15 million - report
In a report issued to clients Thursday, FBR Capital Markets analyst Craig Berger said the Cupertino-based company revised both third and fourth calendar quarter iPhone build numbers "significantly higher" to more than 15 million units, in addition to placing orders for 2 million more 2G iPhones.
"With about seven million incremental units being built in [the third quarter] versus [the second quarter], this data clearly has positive implications for iPhone chip suppliers," he said. '[Second quarter] build volumes fell by 25 percent versus prior checks in mid-May (now up only 80 percent quarter-over-quater) as Apple pushes production out a bit into [the third quarter].
The analyst said Broadcom and Marvell stand to be amongst the largest beneficiaries of the increased iPhone build forecast, as they're both believed to be supplying key components for the new iPhone 3G.
Berger said a similar round of checks turned up evidence of an approximate 15 percent positive revision to forward looking iPod build orders, which now suggests sequential growth of 35 percent for the company's digital media player business.
"Greater Classic and Nano builds are partially offset by fewer Touch builds," he told clients. "[Second quarter] build volumes remain largely unchanged, growing 35 percent quarter-over-quarter."
Following the upward trend in the handheld department, Mac orders have also reportedly shot up. Compared to the analyst's previous checks, orders by Apple to its Taiwanese manufacturing facilities suggest anywhere from a 10 to 20 percent increase in Mac system builds.
"These checks also suggest Apple continues to knock the cover off the ball, that its product cycle momentum is ramping, and that any consumer spending malaise in the U.S. or Europe has yet to impact Apple-related product demand," he said.
11 Comments
2 million more 2G iphones?? that doesn't sound right
2 million more 2G iphones?? that doesn't sound right
That was my reaction, too. It kind of makes me doubt the credibility of the entire article.
The mind boggles. I couldn't think of a single reason why they would build more 2G iPhones.
I doubt Apple is going to be playing into the hands of unlockers by ordering more units.
I'm sure there's a typo or some mis-communication along the line. Perhaps they ordered 2 million more iPod Touch units?
The mind boggles. I couldn't think of a single reason why they would build more 2G iPhones.
I doubt Apple is going to be playing into the hands of unlockers by ordering more units.
I'm sure there's a typo or some mis-communication along the line. Perhaps they ordered 2 million more iPod Touch units?
Maybe they'll pull a Microsoft Keep the previous generation software on the retail shelf but raise the price. No one will buy it at the ATT store, but with the subsidy pricing, and the data plan price increase, the demand for 2G iPhones will still be there. Maybe Apple can take advantage of that and sell them for their original price of $600
Maybe they'll pull a Microsoft Keep the previous generation software on the retail shelf but raise the price. No one will buy it at the ATT store, but with the subsidy pricing, and the data plan price increase, the demand for 2G iPhones will still be there. Maybe Apple can take advantage of that and sell them for their original price of $600
Or maybe they want them around to sell as novelty items. Or to stock the "Apple Museum" in 20 years time. They will build a giant iPhone out of 2G iPhones to signify the day the mobile phone industry changed forever.