5-6 million new iPhones?

Apple has already laid out plans for an initial build of 5 to 6 million new iPhones, says Kaufman Bros.' Shaw Wu. The analyst cites unnamed industry and supply chain sources, noting that if accounts are true, Apple's production may greatly outstrip Kaufman predictions of 4.5 million units for the September quarter. March quarter estimates are 3.2 million, while the June quarter could have more or less than 3.7 million, depending on Apple's release schedule.

Wu suggests that Apple may have a vested interest in releasing the new iPhones in early to mid-June, as low iPhone 3G shipments in the June quarter could hurt its finances.

Sources are simultaneously said to indicate that as many as three updated iPhone models may have been in development at one stage, though clues in the iPhone 3.0 firmware allegedly point to just two devices reaching shelves. One of these may have a longer battery life and a faster processor, while a second is described as a weaker "junior" phone.

Wu finally claims that there appears to be a "high likelihood" AT&T will introduce tiered iPhone data plans, as a substitute to the universal $30 plan currently tied to the iPhone 3G. In light of a terrible economy, the expense of an iPhone subscription is now turning some people away, the analyst comments.

by MacNN Staff