Apple reportedly bets big on big screen iPhone 6 models

July 23, 2014

Recent supplier information suggests that Apple is making big bets on the much rumored iPhone 6, which is expected to come in two different screen sizes. The oft-rumored Apple smartphone is anticipated to arrive in a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch model, both up from the 4-inch iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and iPhone 5c, and represent Apple's largest smartphones to date.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple may be ordering as many as 70 to 80 million units of these phones combined, which is a big jump from 50 to 60 million units of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c production run last year. Citing "people familiar with the matter," the increased order is for the initial production run that will last through the end of the year.

So far Apple has remained quiet and the company typically does not comment on rumors. If recent history will serve as a trend, then Apple is expected to introduce its next iPhone model(s) sometime in the September time frame. The new models are believed to come in metal sporting a variety of colors, though that's not confirmed.

Though the orders sound impressive, the Journal is also reporting that Apple may encounter some snags with production of the larger iPhone 6 model. In particular, the new display technology, which means a thinner screen that doesn't require a separate touch layer, may be challenging to manufacture for the 5.5-inch display. Additionally, Apple may face some complications with making the rumored sapphire glass for this model, which could delay the release or make initial shipments harder to accommodate.

Are you looking to upgrade to Apple's iPhone 6? Which model are you interested in, the 4.7- or 5.5-inch?

Source: WSJ