If there's any doubt that the iPhone 6 is generating excitement, that's put to rest by the fact that Chinese online sellers on the Alibaba website have already begun taking preorders for the phone. What other phone would start selling even before it's announced? According to the Wall Street Journal's Digits blog, over 30 sellers are encouraging buyers to place their orders now, saying they can help purchase the phone when it's released. Those interested need to pay a deposit ranging from 500 yuan ($80) to 7,999 yuan ($1,288). And if you scroll down on this page, one seller even provides a description and images of the phone. But it seems mostly bogus, especially the reference to a 4.3-inch display and the repeated reference to iOS 7 as a selling point (since the phone is expected to come with iOS 8). One seller claimed the phone will be available around September 20.
In any case, Apple itself is certainly expecting to sell a lot of them. The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Apple has asked suppliers to manufacture between 70 and 80 million iPhone 6 units by the end of the year. This compares to last year's order of 50 to 60 million units of the iPhone 5s and 5c. The Journal cites sources "familiar with the matter," who also said that the phones will have metal cases like the iPhone 5s and will likely come in multiple colors.
Interestingly, in order to get 70 to 80 million sellable phones, Apple is actually asking suppliers to manufacture components for up to 120 million phones. The iPhone has used in-cell technology in the display since the iPhone 5 in order to remove a layer in the display and make it thinner. However, according the the Journal and other sources, the anticipated in-cell display on the expected 5.5-inch "phablet" is more difficult to manufacture because of the larger size. Another potential complication, according to the Journal's sources, is the possible use of sapphire crystal in the display of the phablet.
The article says that one reason for the anticipated large demand is that in many markets around the world, the smartphone is replacing the personal computer as the person's primary computing device. In particular, Apple is expecting a surge in demand in China, where large-screen phones are popular.
Unlike earlier rumors, which said production of the 4.7-inch phone would begin this month, the WSJ article said that Foxconn and Pegatron will begin mass-producing it next month. Plus, their sources said that Foxconn will start making the 5.5-inch phone in September. I hope the latter assertion is accurate. Earlier rumors had said the phablet could be delayed until later this year.
