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Digitimes
reports that Apple's suppliers will enjoy a particularly strong 1st
Quarter of 2013. The reason cited is due to new iPad and iPhone
products "around the middle of 2013".
Apple is expected
to introduce its next-generation iPad and iPhone series around the
middle of 2013, which will boost demand for ICs in particular
communications related chips during the latter half of the first
quarter, according to the observers. Component orders placed by Apple,
which climbed to high levels prior to the iPhone 5 rollout, will rise
again between March and April, the observers indicated.
The "middle
of 2013" claim is offered very matter-of-factly despite Apple's recent
history of offering fall releases for the iPhone and now the iPad. For
example, the iPhone 5 and iPad 4 launched in September and October,
respectively.
The claim is somewhat consistent with another report that reported that Apple is already starting trial production of the iPhone 5S with volume production planned for early 2013.
Still, we are hesitant to read too much into this report just yet. Digitimes has had a mixed record in the past with its share of both hits and misses. If the iPhone and iPad launch will indeed be accelerated, we are certain to hear more in the coming months.
