Apple plans largest ever production of iPhones; Orders 90 million devices

Apple is preparing for the largest initial production run for its next iPhones by the end of the year, the Wall Street journal reported. The report adds, "Apple is asking suppliers to manufacture between 85 million and 90 million units combined of two new iPhone models with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays by Dec. 31, according to people familiar with the matter. The screen sizes are the same as in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus."In comparison, Apple had ordered between 70-80 million devices comprising iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last year. It was regarded as Apple's largest initial production run till date.[caption id="attachment_272488" align="aligncenter" width="315"]

A leaked image of the next iPhone. Image: 9to5Mac[/caption] Apple's new iPhones are expected to feature Force Touch technology which can distinguish between a light tap and deep press, people familiar with the matter told the Journal.The information about orders came from Apple’s suppliers, the paper added.Bloomberg reported last month that suppliers had started initial production of iPhone models with Force Touch, a technology already used in Apple Watch and MacBook laptop.The screen sizes are the same as in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Apple is also expected to maintain the screen resolution, the Journal said. Apple is also considering a third assembler, Taiwan-based Wistron Corp to help produce the new phones, the paper said. Last year, Apple relied on Hon Hai Precision Industry Co and Pegatron Corp.Some component suppliers started manufacturing parts for the new iPhones in large quantity earlier this month, the newspaper reported.Hon Hai, Apple's primary assembler also known as Foxconn, has been recruiting workers at its main iPhone production base in Zhengzhou, north-central China, anticipating mass production to begin next month, the journal reported.Apple could not immediately be reached for comment. Apple's shares were down 1.8 percent at $123.50 in afternoon trading on the Nasdaq.With inputs from Reuters