Apple plans for record-setting iPhone 6s launch by ordering 90 MILLION handsets

  • Believed only 70-80m, of iPhone 6 were ordered 
  • It is expected to look almost identical to the current iPhone 6 range  
  • Previous rumours have said Apple will add Force Touch 

Apple is preparing for record breaking breaking sales of its next iPhone. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, the tech giant has ordered suppliers to manufacture between 85 million and 90 million units combined of two new iPhone models with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays by Dec. 31.

Apple last year ordered a then-record initial production run of 70 million to 80 million for its first larger-screen iPhones, the report claims.

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Leaked images of the handset have already revealed it will look almost identical to the current iPhone 6, but will recieve an internal overhaul boosting its performance and adding a new force touch screen.

Leaked images of the handset have already revealed it will look almost identical to the current iPhone 6, but will recieve an internal overhaul boosting its performance and adding a new force touch screen.

THE IPHONE 6S AND FORCE TOUCH

Every year following a major update to its phone hardware, Apple releases an incrementally upgraded handset that features minor tweaks. 

These tweaks are typically made to boost battery life or performance, while the outside of the phones remain relatively unchanged. 

Based on recent leaked images and files, the iPhone 6S will be an almost identical, but more powerful version of last year's iPhone 6.

However, rumours do suggest there will be at least two new features designed to attract new users - namely an updated colour range, and Force Touch. 

Force Touch technology was introduced on the latest Macbook and is also available on the Apple Watch. 

In addition to recognising touch, the technology senses force, adding a new dimension to using the screen. 

'Apple Inc. is preparing for a larger initial production run of its next iPhones, betting that even modest hardware changes will entice consumers to upgrade handsets and outstrip demand for the larger-screen phones that it released last year,' the paper says.

It comes after circuitry and chips inside what is reported to be Apple's next phone have been laid bare in a series of leaked images and files.

The image reveals that although the iPhone 6S is likely to keep its base storage at 16GB, it will have a new near-field communication (NFC) processor and have fewer chips. 

While a schematic obtained in Japan suggests the handset will be 7.1mm thick - slightly thicker than the current 6.9mm thick iPhone 6.

The leaked images were analysed by experts at fan site 9to5Mac and tech firm Chipworks. 

They claim the new NFC processor, which is used to make contactless Apple Pay payments, will add a secure element. 

The schematic was obtained by Engadget Japan.  

Every year following a major update to its phone hardware, Apple releases an incrementally upgraded handset that features minor tweaks. 

These tweaks are typically made to boost battery life or performance, while the outside of the phones remain relatively unchanged. 

Based on the leaked images and files, the iPhone 6S will be an almost identical, but more powerful version of last year's iPhone 6. 

However, rumours do suggest there will be at least two new features designed to attract new users - namely an updated colour range, and Force Touch. 

Force Touch technology was introduced on the latest Macbook and is also available on the Apple Watch. 

In addition to recognising touch, the technology senses force, adding a new dimension to using the screen. 

Meanwhile, a schematic obtained by Engadget Japan (pictured) suggest the handset will be 7.1mm thick - slightly thicker than the current 6.9mm thick iPhone 6. Other predicted features for Apple's next iPhone include an A9 processor with 2GB of RAM and an improved 12MP camera - up from 8MP

Meanwhile, a schematic obtained by Engadget Japan (pictured) suggest the handset will be 7.1mm thick - slightly thicker than the current 6.9mm thick iPhone 6. Other predicted features for Apple's next iPhone include an A9 processor with 2GB of RAM and an improved 12MP camera - up from 8MP

It uses tiny electrodes around the Retina display on the Watch to distinguish between a light tap and a deep press, and triggers instant access to a range of controls.

For example, with Force Touch, pressing firmly on the screen brings up additional controls in apps like Messages, Music, and Calendar.

It also lets users select different watch faces, pause or end a workout, search an address in Maps, and more.  

The new iPhone, expected to be unveiled on 25 September, is then expected to borrow the aluminium and rose gold colours used in Apple's Watch. 

Other predicted features include an A9 processor with 2GB of RAM and an improved 12MP camera. - up from 8MP.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone will also use the same materials at the Watch. 

While Daiwa Capital Markets analyst Kylie Huang added Force Touch will work better on larger-screen iPhones and could lead to more innovative gaming applications.

The iPhone 6S is expected to include the same Force Touch feature as the Apple Watch, allowing users to press the screen harder to access menus. It will also come in a range of colours (pictured) including rose gold

The iPhone 6S is expected to include the same Force Touch feature as the Apple Watch, allowing users to press the screen harder to access menus. It will also come in a range of colours (pictured) including rose gold

If the claims are true, this rose gold colour will be borrowed from the Apple Watch Edition (pictured) 

If the claims are true, this rose gold colour will be borrowed from the Apple Watch Edition (pictured) 

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