Apple plans to produce about 96 million iPhones for the first half of 2021, a 30% year-on-year increase, according to NIKKEI Asia. The company is also planning an aggressive production schedule for its high-end computers, including MacBook Pro and iMac Pro for 2021.
- Apple will build up to 230 million iPhones in full-year 2021, including the new and older models, about a 20% rise from 2019, although the target will be regularly reviewed and revised in response to demand.
- Apple had two consecutive years of smartphone shipment declines in 2018 and 2019, but in the first nine months of this year, its shipments were around 116 million iPhones, down just 1% on the year.
- Much of Apple’s smartphone demand came from the iPhone 12 range, which has enjoyed a strong demand since it was launched during the quarter.
- Apple’s robust iPhone orders come as the smartphone industry faces a serious component shortage and fierce competition for Huawei’s market share.
- Apple has already taken components earmarked for iPads and reallocated them for the iPhone 12 range, affecting 2 million to 3 million iPads produced this year.
- Next year’s production plan is almost at par with the record 231.5 million iPhones shipped in 2015.
Apple’s stock is currently gaining. AAPL: NASDAQ is up 0.85% on premarket
