If rumors are to be believed, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus unveiling is only about two weeks away. The new devices are said to retain the design elements of the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, but there will be some important hardware upgrades. When Apple launched the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014, many users had to wait for the bigger 5.5-inch device simply because demand outstripped supply. Consumers experienced a similar situation following the launch of the iPhone 6S Plus.
Apple sees strong demand for the Plus version
Fortunately, there will no longer be the same crunch when the iPhone 7 Plus comes out next month. Previously, the Plus version would account for just 30% of the iPhone production. Supply chain sources told Credit Suisse analyst Pauline Chen (via Business Insider) that the iPhone 7 Plus will account for 35% to 40% of the new iPhone production. That means the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 will still make up at least 60% of the mix.
The iPhone 7 Plus will be technologically superior to its smaller sibling. The 5.5-inch version is rumored to feature a dual-camera setup that will allow you to take better images, especially in low-light conditions. Supply chain leaks suggest that it may also feature an iPad Pro-like Smart Connector and 3GB RAM. Given these high-end features, consumers may be more inclined to for the iPhone 7 Plus.
Primax to make dual-camera modules for the iPhone 7 Plus
Apple has a reason to increase the volume of the 5.5-inch model. The average selling price of iPhones has declined 10% YoY, while its rival Samsung has achieved back to back success with the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7. Selling more of the higher-priced iPhone 7 Plus could boost Apple’s revenues. However, it all will depend on whether suppliers could make enough dual-camera modules to meet the demand.
Taiwan-based Primax Electronics is reportedly responsible for making the dual-camera system for the iPhone 7 Plus. Primax recently increased its production capacity to about 12 million units per month. Besides Apple, it has many other clients that buy its camera modules. The 4.7-inch iPhone 7 will also get a camera upgrade with the Optical Image Stabilization.
