iPhone 6: Apple Orders 70-80 Million Units With Two Screen Sizes [Report]

Apple is expecting the iPhone 6 to be its biggest yet not only in size but also sales, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The company is asking suppliers to produce 70 million to 80 million large-screen iPhones to be split between two large-screen models by the end of the year.

According to WSJ sources, Apple is asking that the largest iPhone launch yet be split between a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models. This would be a significant increase over the 4-inch display that comes with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C and puts it on par with its Android competitors like Samsung and LG. Apple has been losing market share due in part to the larger screens available on other devices and appears to be betting that these two dimensions will help it regain market dominance.

The 4.7-inch iPhone will reportedly begin manufacturing at Foxconn and Pegatron Corp next month while Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd will begin production in September. As noted by CNET, more than 90 percent of the initial shipment is expected to be for the smaller 4.7-inch model. That means the 5.5-inch iPhone will be in short supply and could see a more limited launch than its sibling smartphone.

The WSJ sources stated that the iPhone 6 models will feature metal cases like the iPhone 5 but also include multiple colors. They are also expected to use the same in-cell touch panel technology that was introduced with the iPhone 5.

Rumored new features include an improved camera (up to 13 megapixels with image stabilization), increased battery capacity, faster processor and a rounded body. A resolution for the new iPhone 6 screens has not been revealed yet but something that qualifies as a “Retina” display is expected. Of course, the recently announced iOS 8 will also be featured front and center.

Apple manufactured 50 to 60 million units for the iPhone 5S and 5C when both phones launched last year. The number of countries that was part of the launch was the largest yet but that looks like it may be dwarfed by the release of the iPhone 6. Apple and China Mobile inked a deal last December to bring the smartphone to the cellular provider’s 790 million customers.

The official announcement for both new model iPhones is expected to come in August.

Will an iPhone with a larger screen return you to the Apple fold? Or did you never leave to begin with.

[iPhone 6 Mockup Image via CNET]