Apple Reportedly Shifting iPhone Production Balance More Toward iPhone 6 Plus

Supply of Apple's iPhone 6 Plus may gradually improve as Apple shifts production in favor of the unexpectedly popular handset, according to upstream supply chain sources speaking to Digitimes. This claim echoes an earlier report that suggests the iPhone 6 Plus may account for up to 60 percent of total future iPhone 6 device shipments.

Though the production ratio has been adjusted to meet demand for the 6 Plus, retail supply will take time to improve as component suppliers and assemblers gradually ramp up to meet this new level of production.

But most component suppliers' current inventories are not sufficient for extra iPhone 6 Plus orders, and device manufacturers also do not have sufficient production lines for related assembly. Therefore, the retail channel may need to wait a while before seeing a signifciant increase in iPhone 6 Plus supply, the sources noted.

The supply of Apple's iPhone 6 Plus has been constrained since its launch last month. The handset quickly sold out during pre-orders and has remained in short supply. The estimated online shipment time for the handset currently sits at three to four weeks with iPhone tracking websites showing little to no inventory at brick and mortar retail stores.

Real-world usage is showing strong preference for the smaller iPhone 6 model, but with availability constraints on the iPhone 6 Plus, that result is not unexpected. With an upcoming launch in China on October 17, reservations there are seeing a more even split between the two sizes.