Peripheral chip suppliers for the next-generation iPhone reportedly are preparing to build up combined inventories of related ICs equivalent for the production of 100 million units in the second half of 2014, according to industry sources.
The amount of pending IC inventories is based on the latest market speculation indicating that sales of the next-generation iPhone are expected to surpass 100 million units in 2014, higher than the previous projection of 80 million units, said the sources.
However, most related chip suppliers are building up inventories for the equivalent of 80-90 million units, on concerns that sales may as not reach over 100 million as expected, noted the sources.
For Apple to be able to ship over 100 million new iPhones in 2014, pre-sale orders received worldwide prior to the official launch of the model should top over 50 million units, the sources estimated.
