Apple thinks people are really going to want both sizes of the iPhone 6

iPhone 6 render
Already in high demand

Apple apparently knows you want a new iPhone, and Cupertino could be ramping up orders with partner factories across Asia to produce an unprecedented amount of handsets for this fall's big launch.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple may be gearing up for "its largest initial production run" ever with the forthcoming iPhone 6, an increase largely attributed to the smartphone being available in dual screen sizes.

Last year's iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C models combined conjured up an initial order somewhere between 50 million and 60 million units, but Apple appears to be aiming much higher with this year's iPhone refresh.

According to unnamed "people familiar with the matter," Cupertino is calling for suppliers to pump out between 70 million and 80 million handsets, which are expected to be available in both 4.7- and 5.5-inch models.

Big devices, big demand

Supply chain insiders claim the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 could be in short supply at launch due to Apple's use of sapphire crystal displays instead of glass and more complicated in-cell technology, which integrates sensors into the screen for a thinner, lighter handset.

To compensate for a reportedly higher failure rate of such displays, sources reveal Apple has tasked component suppliers to prepare up to 120 million units by the end of 2014, offering some breathing room in the supply chain. Cupertino made a similar request for last year's iPhone 5S, due to the sensitive Touch ID component.

As any technology pundit will tell you, Apple will be joining the so-called phablet craze somewhat late in the game, but analysts have been beating the drum for months in advance of what is believed to be pent-up demand for larger iPhones.

Expected to launch by mid-September, the iPhone 6 will reportedly feature "metal cases similar to the iPhone 5S," with recent leaks revealing more rounded edges matching the iPad Air and iPad mini 2 with Retina Display.

TOPICS
Latest in iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Apple iPhone 16 Pro on sky blue background with don't miss text overlay
Verizon has just quietly debuted its best iPhone 16 Pro deal yet - get it for free alongside a plan that costs just $25/mo
Apple iPhone 16e on blue background with big savings text overlay
Total Wireless' latest iPhone 16e deal gets you $300 off plus a cheap plan for a year
The Apple iPhone 16e held at a slant at a window
From iPhone to Android and (almost) back again – the iPhone 16e failed to lure me back to iOS
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
The latest iPhone 17 Pro Max leak may have given us another look at its upcoming redesign
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over