In September, it will be time for the launch of this year’s new iPhone models. And with around two months to go, Apple suppliers Foxconn and Pegatron have already started production.
According to Bloomberg, citing “people with knowledge of the matter”, Apple has ordered 90 million units of the “iPhone 13” – which may actually be called the iPhone 12s, to avoid unlucky associations – and its mini, Pro and Pro Max siblings to last until the turn of the year. Apple evidently anticipates healthy demand for its new phone: that’s an increase of 20% compared to last year’s launch of the iPhone 12 family.
Across recent years Apple has been fairly consistent, Bloomberg notes, with orders in the region of 75 million units for the window between autumn launch and the end of the calendar year.
But Apple’s optimism about demand for this year’s iPhone models is understandable, especially as the expansion of the available 5G infrastructure means smartphone owners are seriously considering a handset with 5G support.
The iPhone range gained 5G support for the first time last year, but the availability of coverage was still spotty at the time, particularly outside major cities. That will be less of a deterrent this time around – and more iPhone buyers are likely to have access to the quicker mmWave version of 5G, which Apple is expected to roll out in countries other than the US.
There will be plenty more to look forward to in the iPhone 13, of course, and you can read all the latest gossip in our iPhone 13 rumour roundup. If you don’t want to wait two more months, pick up a bargain on the current range with our guide to the best iPhone deals.
This article originally appeared on Macworld Sweden. Translation and additional reporting by David Price.
