The iPhone 14 Pro models will command more of Apple's manufacturing attention through 2022 than previously thought, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts.
After less than a week of availability for most iPhone 14 models, analysts are making claims about the mix of variants Apple will sell. On Tuesday, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offers an update of expectations for this year's launches.
After a production line switch, Kuo predicts in a Medium post that the iPhone 14 Pro models will make up 60% to 65% of the total iPhone 14 shipments for the second half of 2022. This is an increase from previous expectations, which estimated between 55% and 60%.
Of the models, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is anticipated to be the biggest seller, accounting for 30% to 35% of total iPhone 14 shipments in the period, making it the most popular model.
The pronouncement by Kuo seems to match up with the expectations of other analysts. On Sunday, long lead times for the Pro models led JP Morgan to claim there is high demand for the Pro models in general.
Kuo also believes the iPhone product mix is "improving," and that Apple could offer a positive outlook for the fourth quarter during the late October earnings call. However, this is based on the assumption that iPhone shipments "won't decline significantly after late November."
As for the beneficiaries in the supply chain for the Pro models, Kuo believes camera component suppliers will benefit greatly. The list includes Sony, the only supplier of the 48-megapixel sensor, lens supplier Largan, LG Innotek, Alps, and Minebea.
Samsung Display is also cited as benefiting due to being the sole supplier of the display panels, FII/Foxconn Technology for being the main supplier of stainless steel frames, and Hon Hai as the "sole EMS of Pro Models."