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Report: iPhone 6 Demand Overwhelms Foxconn

The Taiwanese manufacturer is churning out 140,000 phablets and 400,000 smartphones daily, according to reports.

By Stephanie Mlot
September 17, 2014
Foxconn iPhone Worker

Another iPhone launch, another round of reports about overseas suppliers overwhelmed by orders.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Foxconn is operating 100 production lines "around the clock," churching out 140,000 phablets and 400,000 smartphones every day, but it's still not enough to satisfy pre-orders.

The Journal said the Zhengzhou, China-based factory has more than 200,000 employees dedicated to making iPhone 6 and 6 Plus handsets and their key components. But with a record 4 million pre-orders in the first 24 hours, Foxconn is reportedly struggling to craft the devices fast enough.

These type of reports are nothing new. In 2012, Foxconn acknowledged iPhone 5 production delays. And yet, everyone eventually got their phones.

A July report from the Journal said that Apple asked its suppliers to manufacture between 70 and 80 million of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch handsets by Dec. 30.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus go on sale Friday in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and the U.K. A week later, they'll hit 20 more countries.

Apple review, Apple commentary, Apple news... Everything Apple But only the fastest to successfully pre-order their phones will receive the gadgets this week; others can expect a package later this month or in October, particularly the iPhone 6 Plus. Delivery estimates for iPhone 6 are now at 7-10 days, while iPhone 6 Plus is at 3 to 4 weeks.

A handful devices will be available to walk-in customers at Apple retail stores this Friday at 8 a.m., but don't expect supplies to last. Also check your local AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon brick-and-mortar locations.

Apple did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.

For more, see PCMag's Hands On With the iPhone 6, 6 Plus and the slideshow above. Also check out our side-by-side comparison iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 6 Plus: Big or Bigger?

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About Stephanie Mlot

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Stephanie Mlot

B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)

Reporter at The Frederick News-Post (2008-2012)

Reporter for PCMag and Geek.com (RIP) (2012-present)

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