Is Apple stockpiling flash for new iPhone?

 

Gallery

By Barry Collins

Posted on 9 Apr 2009 at 11:57

Apple has reportedly placed an order for 100 million 8GB NAND flash chips, adding further fuel to the rumours of a new iPhone launch.

Apple is widely expected to launch its third-generation iPhone hardware in June, at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference.

We reported earlier this week how Apple's UK exclusive network partner, O2, was attempting to clear out its stock of iPhone 3G handsets in anticipation of the new launch.

Apple currently offers both 8 and 16GB versions of the iPhone, and the hefty memory order may suggest the company is looking to boost the capacity of the devices.

The huge order has contributed to a tightening of supply of flash memory chips, according to a report on DigiTimes.

Flash prices have risen by 16% since the end of March, with fellow phone manufacturers Nokia and Sony also bolstering their NAND flash inventories.