Apple is reportedly placing orders for up to 96 million iPhones for the January through June 2021 period, an increase of almost a third from the same time in 2020.
Apple is increasing orders of its iPhone range
Sources within Apple's suppliers are said to be reporting that the company has increased its orders for iPhones. The sources claim this is due to demand for the 5G iPhone 12 range, but the order does include some number of iPhone SE and iPhone 11 models too.
According to the Nikkei Asian Review, the increase may also be related to issues regarding falling demand for Huawei phones.
"Several parts makers have revealed that sales of the first high-speed 5G models this fall are increasing," says Nikkei in translation. "Apple's increased production is likely to be a tailwind for Japanese parts makers as competing Huawei slows down."
"Apple's [alleged[ tentative production forecast for the full year 2021 is a maximum of 230 million iPhones, including older and new models," continues the report. Nikkei claims that this is expected to mean a 20% increase in iPhones made in 2021 compared to 2019.
"As sales of Huawei phones slow down due to heightened friction between the US and China, other manufacturers will increase production," continues the report. "China's Xiaomi has informed its suppliers of a production target of up to 240 million units in 2021."
Nikkei Asian Review has a long track record of information from component manufacturers. However, it did previously report that the iPhone 12 would be delayed by months because of coronavirus.