Foxconn, 12m iPhones?

Foxconn Electronics has agreed to manufacture 12 million cellular handsets for Apple, according to one report. The Cupertino-based company will ship the new phones in the first half of 2007, according to DigiTimes. Foxconn is one of Apple's primary iPod manufacturers overseas, and industry analysts have long expected a new 'iPhone' from Apple some time during the New Year. A patent application recently discovered by MacNN points to a multifunction device that serves as a cellular phone with music as well as video playback capability, palm functionality, and more. Surging Mac sales and strong iPod numbers heading into the holiday shopping season are backed by the forthcoming release of Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard,' as well as the company's new iTV media device alongside an expected refresh of its Mac Pro systems. A cellular handset introduced into the mix in 2007 could serve as a catalyst for Apple's growth alongside the iTV, which may propel the company into the living rooms of consumers even as Apple strives to make its presence known in the mobile phone arena.

by MacNN Staff