Supply constraints no longer restricting supply

Apple's recent iPhone and iPad mini sales may have exceeded initial expectations, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty. In an note distributed to investors and later quoted by AppleInsider, Huberty claims sources within Apple's supply chain have reported stronger-than-expected revenue and orders for the December quarter, likely as a result of strong demand for the new iPhone and iPad mini.

Although the company has faced inventory shortages and shipping delays, component supplies are said to be improving. Yield rates for the in-cell touchscreen panels used in the iPhone 5 are claimed to have reached 70 to 80 percent, helping the company meet strong demand.

Huberty suggests Apple's sales still have time to improve ahead of the holiday shopping season, and may beat general expectations for the following quarter ending in March. Early supplies of both the iPad mini and iPhone 5 sold out, though final numbers for the quarter remain unclear.

Apple is continuing to launch the iPhone 5 and iPad mini in additional markets across the globe, adding further uncertainty to the sales forecasts.

by MacNN Staff