Apple reportedly submits orders for 15 million next-gen iPhones

Apple has reportedly begun submitting orders for its next-generation iPhone, initially purchasing 15 million devices from Taiwan-based supplier Pegatron Technology, which will begin shipping in September, Digitimes has revealed.

Pegatron had previously assisted with the production of the CDMA iPhone 4 for Verizon networks, shipping 4 million orders for the smartphone, despite upgrading its capacity to handle more than 10 million orders for the device.

Sources close to the matter have indicated that the iPhone 5 (4S) will not receive a major update from the iPhone 4, but partners have begun supplying companies to the Asian manufacturer:

The sources pointed out that as the iPhone 5, which does not seem to have any major update from iPhone 4, is already set for shipment in September, they are already started supplying components to Pegatron with Pegatron’s plants in Shanghai, China also recently started hiring for manpower.

Digitimes also highlights that in addition to the iPhone, Pegatron has started to court Apple to secure orders to manufacture the company’s iPad and MacBook devices, which are assembled by rival Asian-market suppliers including Foxconn. Despite its attempts, it is reported that Pegatron has not made any progress in its bid to secure additional orders but may be considered if Apple decides to separate production risks.