Apple to double iPhone production

 

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Posted on 19 Sep 2007 at 17:47

Apple is preparing to nearly double its iPhone production in the fourth quarter as it braces itself for increased demand after launching its flagship product in Europe.

The new production schedule calls for the creation of 2.7 million iPhones next quarter, up from the 1.54 million originally targeted, according to reports. The revised schedule means 4.8 million iPhones will be built this year, a significant rise on the 3.6 million Apple had originally decided on.

Its ambition certainly seems justified. Apple has already sold its one millionth iPhone in the US, and just hours after being announced as Apple's official partner O2's website crashed as it was bombarded by customers looking to be one of the first to pick up an iPhone in the UK.

The surge comes despite a hefty price tag, which including the cost of the handset and the cheapest 18-month contract comes to a princely £899. Early adopters looking to tie themselves to the top-end £55 per month tariff will be £1,259 worse off by the end of their contract.

How much of this O2 will actually see also continues to be a matter of some debate, with reports suggesting Apple has negotiated itself a 40% cut of the revenues made from each iPhone customer.

Apple officials were not immediately available for comment.

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Author: Reuters