Crank up the iPhone ovens, Apple is placing a huge order for its next batch of flagship smartphones.
Apple has asked its suppliers to make 85 to 90 million units combined of the next two models of the iPhone, which given current naming schemes would be the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple expects the latest hardware upgrades to the iPhone to entice more buyers. Past iPhone runs have been pegged at 60 to 70 million.
Aside from new features, carriers are offering more options for earlier upgrades with their Equipment Installment Plans (EIPs). T-Mobile latest “Un-Carrier Amped” initiative will allow customers to upgrade three times in a single year. Apple is also likely increasing its order to keep its devices stocked at Chinese carriers.
After adding the larger iPhone 6 Plus and expanding to China, Apple saw iPhone sales jump to 135 million units in the first half of its most recent fiscal year. That’s up 43 percent over the same period in the previous year.
Apple main iPhone suppliers have been Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) and Pegatron. The Journal reports that Apple is considering a third supplier in Wistron Corporation to meet demand.
