Apple has started to reduce its orders for the iPhone 7 amid declining demand for the smartphone, according to a report by DigiTimes.
The publication's sources, which come from the supply chain in Taiwan, said that demand for the iPhone 7 in China and other markets has decreased significantly since the smartphone was launched in September.
Massive Demand For iPhone 7 At Launch Now Fading
According to the sources of DigiTimes, the massive demand during the launch of the iPhone 7 was fueled by the massive customer interest in the jet black option for the smartphone, in combination with the exploding battery issue of the device's supposed rival, Samsung's Galaxy Note 7.
However, the demand for the iPhone 7 is now tapering off, pushing Apple to decrease the quantities of its orders for the smartphone. The trend is similar to the usual slowdown of Apple's iPhone manufacturing process during the end of each year, as demand for the smartphone is at its highest between the period of the traditional September launch and the holiday shopping season.
As such, the expected shipments for the iPhone 7 over the first half of 2017 have been affected, with companies in the device's supply chain coming up with conservative estimates. For the first six months of 2017, sales for the smartphone is expected to be at least 5 million units lower compared with the shipment figures from the second half of 2016.
Hype For The iPhone 8
Part of the reason why demand for the iPhone 7 is declining is the hype that has started to surround its successor and Apple's next flagship smartphone, the iPhone 8.
Both customers and component suppliers have shifted their focus on the upcoming smartphone, which is expected to be released some time next year. Instead of purchasing the iPhone 7 now, customers are seemingly holding off on doing so to wait for the iPhone 8, with suppliers ready to take on any orders from Apple concerning the anticipated device.
iPhone 8 Rumors
The rumor mill has been busy churning out information regarding the upcoming iPhone 8, generating excitement among fans of Apple's smartphone.
Apple is said to be testing more than 10 different prototypes for the iPhone 8, which is expected to feature an overhaul in terms of design and capabilities. Among the rumors on what the iPhone 8 will bring include curved OLED screens and a new 3D dual-lens camera, which Apple is said to be developing with LG.
