At the launch of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, Apple prepared more stock of the 6.1-inch entry-level iPhone 12 model as opposed to the 12 Pro model. However, an unexpected strong demand for the Pro variant in the United States has caught the company by surprise. Supply chain sources report that Apple has increased orders of the iPhone 12 Pro’s components to meet the scaled demand which has pushed the delivery dates ahead by a few weeks.
A recent report by a Taiwanese publisher, DigiTimes claims that orders of the new VCSEL chips for LiDAR scanners used in the upgrade camera system of the Pro models are placed in large numbers to the suppliers. The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are equipped with the new LiDAR scanner in the new Pro Camera System for improved depth in photos and videos, and to deliver the augmented reality experience to iOS users. The publisher wrote,
“Apple is poised to increase its orders for VCSEL chips for ToF-based LiDAR scanners used by the just released iPhone 12 Pro due to strong demand for the model, particularly in the US, according to sources at Taiwan-based supply chain makers.”
Strong iPhone 12 Pro’s Demand Pushs Delivery Dates Ahead
Keeping global consumer spending trends in COVID-19 and its lower cost in mind, Apple had more stock of the iPhone 12 in oppose to 12 Pro. To the company’s surprise, the higher-end model unexpectedly attracted more users. DigiTimes claims that the new 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro model has been so popular that the delivery lead time from manufacturers has been extended from days to weeks.
“Apple is placing more orders for VCSEL chips as delivery lead-time for pre-orders of the iPhone 12 Pro has now extended to 2-3 weeks compared 2-3 days for the iPhone 12, said the sources.”
Furthermore, based on sales of the new smartphone series, some suppliers are confident that demand momentum will continue even after the launch of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which will pave the way for a lucrative fourth quarter of 2020. The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini will be available for pre-order on November 6 online and in-store on November 16.
Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program and Apple Card 0% financing in the United Stated might have encouraged the registered users to make a more expensive trade-in by purchase a $999 smartphone for $41.62 per month under the upgrade program or by interest-free installations. A survey by RBC revealed that “36% of customers were on Apple’s annual upgrade program, and another 25% said they planned to join. The data signals that Apple could shrink iPhone holding times soon.”
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