Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has asked suppliers to build as many as 90 million next-generation iPhones this year, a nearly 20% increase from its 2020 iPhone shipments.
The Cupertino, California-based technology giant has maintained a consistent level in recent years of roughly 75 million iPhones units per year. The upgraded forecast for 2021 suggests the company anticipates increased demand for its 5G-enabled iPhones. The next iPhones will be Apple’s second with 5G, a key enticement pushing users to upgrade.
This year’s iPhone update will be more incremental than last year’s iPhone 12, emphasizing processor, camera and display improvements. Apple is planning updates to all of its current models, spanning the 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch regular versions and the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch Pro models.
Apple’s camera upgrades will put the focus on more advanced video recording features such as improved optical zoom.
Apple’s building on strong momentum from the iPhone 12 release in 2020 and may continue to benefit from 5G smartphone upgrades and an overall improved smartphone market.
Beyond the new iPhones, Apple is preparing several other products for release later this year, including new MacBook Pro laptops with custom Apple chips, a redesigned iPad mini and entry-tier iPad models and Apple Watches with updated displays.
