If the China Times is correct, then production on the iPhone 6 could be starting as early as next month. The website cites unnamed sources familiar with the matter and says that Pegatron Corporation (TPE:4938) (OTCMKTS:PGTRF) is hiring for its new factory located in Kunshan. It claims that production on the iPhone 6 will begin in the second quarter and then ramp up to full capacity in the third quarter.
Pegatron to share iPhone 6 builds with Hon Hai
The report states that Pegatron Corporation (TPE:4938) (OTCMKTS:PGTRF) will be sharing production for the iPhone 6 with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd (OTCMKTS:HNHPF) (TPE:2317). Apparently it’s unknown exactly how many orders each of the two companies have received for the new handset. However, it could be quite a big split, as the China Times reports that Pegatron is hiring “thousands” of workers to make the handset.
There have been signs that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in the process of diversifying its supply chain. Handing more responsibility over to Pegatron Corporation (TPE:4938) (OTCMKTS:PGTRF) would be an important step in that direction. Currently the company only handles production of the less expensive iPhone 5C.
When is the iPhone 6 release date?
We’ve been hearing plenty of rumors about exactly when Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will release the next-generation iPhone. Some have suggested that it could be launched as early as June, but if this new report is correct, it would suggest that the iPhone 6 may not launch until the fall after production has ramped up. This would put the launch in line with Apple’s previous iPhone launches. The iPhone 5S and 5C were released in September.
Most generally expect the iPhone 6 to have a bigger screen than its predecessors. As Apple Insider notes, last year around this time was when we started to see more accurate pictures about what Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) had planned for last year’s iPhone. Reports about the iPhone 5S and 5C really began to take an accurate shape then.
What to expect in the iPhone 6
This year’s rumors also suggest that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may launch two handsets. Many have been saying for some time that one may have a 4.7-inch screen, while the other will have a 5.5-inch display. This week we also heard rumors that the iPhone 6 will feature pressure and humidity sensors, and rumors that it would be ultra-thin were also repeated.
