14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is planning to start production of the new iPhone 8 earlier than expected, according to analysts, but this doesn’t necessarily change the launch date of the new device, so the September unveiling still seems to be very likely.
In a note to investors, BlueFin analysts John Donovan and Steve Mullane reveal that they've received signals Apple is ramping up production of the next iPhone, especially because the firm expects the device to sell in bigger numbers than its predecessors.
The presumably-called iPhone 8 will represent the most substantial makeover of the iPhone since the debut of the iPhone 6, and Apple is expected to benefit from an inflow of new buyers, but also from existing customers who upgrade their old devices.
iPhone 7 product adjusted in anticipation of the iPhone 8
According to analysts, Apple is already adjusting production levels of the current iPhone 7 generation in order to be able to start manufacturing the upcoming model.
“The most intriguing data points that we have uncovered suggests that AAPL is ramping the next generation iPhones earlier than historical norms, although we have no indication that there has been any change in release plans for the iPhone 8/X,” the analysts explained in a note to investors.
“Builds have been pulled in a few months while aggregate next generation forecasts have increased 10% from last month to 122M. Additionally, AAPL has adjusted iPhone 7, 7 Plus, and SE production downward in preparation for the next generation launch.”
The iPhone 8 is projected to bring several upgrades over the existing models, with the rumor mill pointing to features such as wireless charging, improved cameras, and a completely new design that would rely on front and back glass covers with a metal frame. Apple is reportedly planning to make the new iPhone similar to the iPhone 4, at least in terms of materials, although there are also voices that the company could also look at ceramic for extra strength and a more exquisite look.
There are also sources indicating that Apple could introduce a third model exclusively featuring an OLED display measuring either 5.7 or 5.8 inches. Information in this regard is still contradictory, but there’s a good chance that an OLED display makes it to the next iPhone, and this could be one of the reasons the company is in a rush to start production.