Apple was seemingly banking on the iPhone 12 being its most popular new handset this year. But it appears the company may have underestimated just how popular the new iPhone 12 Pro is with users.
According to Digitimes, Apple is ramping up orders for the LiDAR Scanner exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max models.
The report notes:
“Demand for the iPhone 12 Pro has been so strong delivery lead time from manufacturers has had to be extended. And Apple is set to increase orders for VCSEL chips supporting the iPhone 12 Pro’s LiDAR scanner for immersive augmented reality (AR).”
It doesn’t mention specific numbers. But it does suggest that — if accurate — Apple may have been too modest in its assumptions about the iPhone 12 Pro model’s popularity. That’s pretty interesting in 2020, a year in which the iPhone 12 is pretty darn close to the iPhone 12 Pro in terms of functionality. The biggest difference is the photography features of the iPhone 12 Pro.
The popularity of the iPhone 12 Pro
This also chimes with a recent report by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo suggested that demand for the Pro models of this year’s iPhones is greater than expected. Kuo says demand for the Pro and regular iPhone 12 models is currently split evenly.
In the long run, Kuo predicts that iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will see between 30% and 35% of total orders. iPhone 12 mini could attract 10% to 15% of total orders. Meanwhile, the larger, more expensive, iPhone 12 Pro Max may account for 15% to 20%.
In a previous report, Kuo broke down Apple’s early order split for the new iPhone models. Kuo said the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max each make up 20% of Apple orders. Meanwhile, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 represents 40%. That suggests Apple thought the regular iPhone 12 would be twice as popular as any other model.
Which iPhone model are you most drawn to this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Digitimes
