Companies within Apple’s supply chain are currently preparing materials for the production of the iPhone 5, which they believe is likely to launch this September… but it may not be launching alone. Instead, it will be accompanied by the iPad 3.
According to a report from DigiTimes today, sources claim that Apple only plans to launch one new model of the iPhone later this year — as opposed to the rumored two — but will also be launching the iPad 3 around the same time.
The third-generation iPad was reportedly added to the production schedule “just recently,” and is set to enter production in small volumes in August, along with the iPhone 5. Production of both devices is then expected to increase through September and October.
According to the report, the list of “upstream component makers” who are preparing these devices, includes:
…Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), which is in charge of assembling the devices; Simplo Technologies and Dynapack International Technology, in charge of manufacturing batteries; TPK Holding and Wintek, in charge of touch panel modules; Catcher, in charge of chassis; and Largan Precision, in charge of webcams, are all expected to benefit from the orders.
iPhone shipments in the third quarter are expected to reach 24-25 million units, according to supply estimates, with 6-7 million of those being the iPhone 5. With the production of the iPad 3 expected to begin in August, supply estimates for Apple’s tablet are expected to reach 15 million units during the same quarter.
While we have previously heard rumors that Apple would release two iPads during 2011, DigiTimes themselves reported just this time last month that Apple has begun the certification process for the third-generation device, but we shouldn’t expect the device to launch until at least 2012.
