14 DAY TRIAL // The secrecy that surrounds Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 lineup fuels all kinds of rumors, including a recent tidbit claiming the company has actually reduced the number of orders for the new-generation smartphone.
While at some level the report made sense, claiming that Apple cut its iPhone 14 orders at partner TSMC by as much as 10 percent, it looks like this isn’t necessarily the case.
Well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the information is most likely inaccurate for several reasons, including the small adjustments that typically happen before Apple starts the mass production of a new iPhone generation.
In other words, Apple still expects the iPhone 14 to sell like hotcakes, so the company is still preparing for this big moment by maintain its orders at the same level as before.
“Rumored TSMC's iPhone 14 orders cut by 10% is not aligned with my survey. I currently maintain my 2H22 shipment forecast for iPhone 14, about 100 mn and 90 mn units for components and EMS, respectively,” Kuo explains. “Apple's slight adjustments for iPhone shipment forecasts (single-digit increase/decrease) are common, including new models before mass production.”
“Apple doesn't usually markedly change shipment forecasts for new iPhones (double-digit increase/decrease) before launching new models and confirming the actual market demand/feedback. If a supply chain issue causes a significant change in the shipment plan of the new iPhones before mass production, Apple usually postpones the orders instead of cutting them. The above also applies to Apple's other products.”
The new-generation iPhone is expected in September, with sales to start later the same month or in early October for some specific models.
This means the production of the iPhone 14 should begin these weeks, especially as Apple wants to secure the necessary inventory for a smooth launch. The company plans to bring all iPhone models to the market at the same time, with no delay whatsoever.