Foxconn plans include 85m iPhones and Amazon

Foxconn's production plans could see it producing significantly higher iPhone counts as well as Amazon tablets. Supply chain insiders claimed Thursday that Foxconn is expected to make 80 million to 85 million iPhones per year. The Digitimes figures didn't say whether this was 2011 or 2012, but it may lead to Apple's first year with 100 million iPhones shipped, as Pegatron is expected to help out by making as many as 15 million more in a similar space of time.

Currently, Apple isn't yet at 20 million per quarter even with Pegatron's help but may go past this in the second half of the year as it ramps up the iPhone 5. Foxconn is making about 38 million to 40 million iPads as well, based on estimates for this year.

The same tip has somewhat contradictory rumors about Amazon's plans. Foxconn will supposedly make 10.1-inch tablets for Amazon in 2012, hinting a possible larger model than the nine-inch design due by October. Competitor Quanta is also supposedly just now shipping a seven-inch design to Amazon, although it's possible confusion exists and it's referencing a touchscreen e-paper Kindle believed to be arriving earlier.

Parts for about 1.8 million to two million Amazon tablets are reportedly being bought, though not necessarily shipped, for no later than September. Amazon might ship early with lower production numbers to catch American holiday demand in this view.

While recent leaks have pointed to a very different strategy, the 10- and seven-inch tablets would line up with rumors of the Hollywood and Coyote tablets mentioned in the past. No matter the design, Amazon is known to be producing Android tablets as a showcase for its video, Cloud Drive, and Appstore services and to prevent Apple from cornering the fully integrated tablet market.

By Electronista Staff