Apple is likely having high hopes for its next generation iPhone 6, as it has placed a combined order for the 4.7- and 5.5-inch variants, amounting to 70 to 80 million units, marking the largest initial production till date, claims a new report.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reports that the Cupertino, anticipating huge demands, has requested suppliers to manufacture between 70 and 80 million units by December 30 this year, which is a major bump from the initial order of 50 to 60 million iPhone 5S and 5C models last year.
Both the variants – 4.7- and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 are expected to feature metal cases and hit the shelves in a variety of colours.
Apple has also ordered components for up to 120 million iPhone by the end of 2014, a move similar to the 90 million iPhones for its supply chain ordered last year.
To meet the high demands, Foxconn and Pegatron, the manufacturing partners for iPhone 6, are reportedly in “a hiring binge” with Foxconn recruiting around 100,000 employees and Pegatron around 10,000 workers.
Earlier rumours suggested that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 version will hit the assembly line this week and the larger variant will enter the production stage only in the second week of August. However, a report from the Chinese shores, with an image of promotional flyer, suggested that Apple is gearing up for a September 19 launch.
According the WSJ report, the company is likely trying to avoid crisis taking into account the possible display failures. The sources have also tipped production problems with the larger phablet version.
Previous rumours suggested that the company is facing issues with the 5.5-inch variant production, due to the integration of in-cell touchscreen panel. The display of the upcoming iPhone 6 has been the subject of much speculation, with reports hinting at sapphire crystal display tougher than the Corning Gorilla Glass.
