Apple Boosts iPhone 7, 7 Plus Supply Ahead Of Launch, Amid Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall

Apple may have increased the production of its iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus ahead of the handsets’ launch event this Wednesday as Taiwanese supply chain sources reportedly leaked Monday that the Cupertino giant raised its parts orders by 10 percent.

Apple Insider has learned that the sources revealed this new information to DigiTimes, a Chinese newspaper with coverage focused on electronics, computer, semiconductor and communications industries.

The boost in orders may be seen as surprising given that this year’s iterations of the iPhones are regarded as interim releases prior the release of the 10th anniversary iPhones; however, Apple Insider believes that this is a sign that the Cupertino giant is not seeing a drastic decline in terms of the demand for its new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

However, Apple is reportedly expecting only around 60 percent of shipments compared to last year’s iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus that averaged with about 30 million units shipped per month for the second half of 2015.

DigiTimes reports that the orders for parts would diminish by December. Also, while Apple needs to ensure the number of new iPhones produced for the high demand during the launch and the holiday season, it is not uncommon for the demand to fluctuate at the start of the new year.

The news about the boost in parts orders comes amid leaks hinting at minor upgrades for the new handsets, with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus sporting a faster processor, more pressure-sensitive Home button, increased onboard storage options and better waterproofing, among others. There are also reports claiming that the larger iPhone could come with a dual-lens camera system that’s capable of capturing DSLR-quality photos.

The news also comes amid Samsung's decision to recall its Galaxy Note 7 handsets over a defect that could cause the smartphones' batteries to explode. The South Korea giant is now expected to lose $1 billion in the process of recalling the 2.5 million devices and having their batteries replaced with new ones.