Come September, Apple is widely expected to unveil the next-gen iPhones dubbed the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus. With the launch inching closer, rumors are rife that Apple's suppliers have ramped up the production of the smartphones' displays.
According to a report from DigiTimes, Apple's suppliers have started shipping out the Force Touch display panels intended for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The publication sites people in the supply chain as its source of information and divulges that Apple allegedly started shipping these Force Touch panels for the smartphones' display in limited numbers in June.
The production for Force Touch modules was apparently increased in July, likely to meet production demand.
"Touch panel supply chains of the iPhone 6 have stepped up shipments for the next generation iPhone, with shipments of the new Apple smartphones expected to reach 36-40 million in the third quarter and 50 million in the fourth quarter, according to supply chain source," per DigiTimes' report.
The publication's assertions are partly validated by TPK Holding Co., which is also the supplier of touch panels for the iPad and Apple Watch, revealing that it would begin mass production for the Force Touch modules in July. While TPK did not divulge whom the panels would be supplied to, it is presumed that the likely customer is Apple.
The Force Touch modules are an existing feature on Apple's Mac Books and Apple Watch. It is a pressure-sensitive technology which can help distinguish between a deep press and a light tap, which in turn helps complete varied actions.
TPK also anticipates its revenues to double in the third quarter, which would presumably tie in with the launch of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus and, therefore, the increase in demand for Force Touch panels.
The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are speculated to tout a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen, respectively. The devices are also anticipated to pack in the latest A9 processor and 2GB of RAM, along with a speedier Qualcomm LTE chip and Force Touch modules.
The smartphones are also rumored to have a 12MP primary camera and will stick to the design sensibilities of the previous-gen versions.
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