Call it pent up demand for a larger-screen iPhone if you want, but the phablet-sized iPhone 6 Plus is proving a whole lot more popular than even Apple thought it would.
That’s according to a new report, citing sources from the upstream supply chain, which claims that Cupertino is adjusting its supply ratio for the 6 Plus and 4.7-inch iPhone 6 to account for the unexpectedly massive number of people ordering the 5.5-inch model.
The sources note that iPhone 6 shipments are set to be 3-4 million units lower than originally anticipated, with the production orders instead being directed toward producing more units of the iPhone 6 Plus.
This marries up with other recent reports we’ve heard, claiming that Foxconn — the manufacturer responsible for production of the 6 Plus — has recently been getting more analog integrated circuit shipments than Pegatron, the company responsible for the iPhone 6.
According to that rumor, supply chain sources suggest that the iPhone 6 Plus could end up accounting for a massive 60% of total iPhone 6 family shipments.
While this is all well and good for people hoping for Apple’s larger-sized handset, however, don’t expect it to be any easier to get hold of a unit straight away. Since current inventories and production lines aren’t yet sufficient for the added 6 Plus orders, it may be a while before retail channels start seeing more iPhone 6 Plus devices showing up on the regular.
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
6 responses to “iPhone 6 Plus proving more popular than even Apple expected”
Walked into my Sprint store well after the launch, ordered a 6 plus, they said it would take 3-4 weeks, was in store in 3-4 days. I’m now the proud owner of a silver iPhone 6 Plus 128 GB.
Ordered our two 6+ 64gb space grey on 9/20, and not only do we not have ours yet, they’re still estimating ship date to be 10/29-11/7! Never thought I’d have to wait >1 month to get a new phone after ordering it!
I walked into the Aspen Grove Apple Store in South Denver last Friday morning, and left with a 6+ in about 20 minutes.
Love my Plus. Pre-ordered it on the 12th, the 64gb Space Gray seemed like the popular model…finally got it 13 days later. Took some adjusting I admit, but I do not regret it.
Also love the iPhone 6 Plus, my thoughts are here:
http://franklinmcmahon.com/2014/10/02/iphone-6-plus-review/
Two biggest surprises…my wife decided at the last minute to get the Plus over the regular 6 and has not regretted it. I don’t think she’s put it down since. I thought the bigger Plus would mainly be a guys phone, but judging from the many females walking out with the 6 Plus on launch day, I was very mistaken.
Also the size I got used to very quickly. Initially it seems big but it does not take long to get completely used to it. Not sure if its the lightness or the thinness, but it really feels comfy and natural to hold and use.
I highly recommend the iPhone 6 Plus over the regular 6..I can easily see why it may be the bigger seller after all.