Nikkei sources revealed that Apple asked its suppliers to prepare components for about 88 to 90 million iPhone 16s. In 2023, the "bitten apple" placed orders for about 80 million iPhone 15s.

Apple is about to launch its first iPhone equipped with Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence features. The company will hold an event on September 9 in the US.

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Apple will hold an event on September 9 focusing on the iPhone. Photo: Bloomberg

Some component makers have even received orders for more than 90 million units, but said Apple typically places large initial orders and then adjusts them once the product officially goes on sale.

Despite the positive orders, Apple is facing many challenges from rivals in China, a market that contributed about 17% of total revenue in the first quarter. Huawei's impressive comeback has knocked the American "giant" out of the top 5 best-selling smartphone brands in the mainland in the second quarter.

Overall, Apple suppliers are cautious and predict no major changes in iPhone shipments compared to 2023.

Huawei has had its own struggles. Since May, the Chinese company has continued to struggle to access mobile chips from Qualcomm.

Jeff Pu, director of Haitong Securities, predicts Apple will sell about 88 million iPhones this year but does not believe this is the beginning of a “super cycle”.

Apple Intelligence, while promising, will not make a breakthrough in 2024. According to experts, 2025 will be more important because the broader AI ecosystem is more "mature".

(According to Nikkei)