Start Lining Up For The iPhone 7 Now: Supply May Be In Demand

We’re just days away from the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and yet, there are rumblings about whether supply can meet the demand. Some industry sources say that, if Apple keeps to the scheduled launch in the week of Sept. 5, supply may be too low.

Reports are surfacing around the issue of “faulty components” and that “some suppliers are still trying to fix low yield rates of their components.” Jeff Pu at Yuanta Investment Consulting said the number of iPhone 7 units would be 6 million–10 million below the total iPhone 6s last year.

Some analysts say demand for the iPhone 7 remains high — in fact, “bullish.” Others aren’t so gung-ho, however, due to a negative perception of certain added features likely to appear in the new version of the iPhone.

The new iPhone’s anticipated features include an upgraded processor, a dual-lens camera like the iPhone 6s, better water resistance, enhanced home button and —the feature Steve Wozniak is most up in arms about — the deleted headphone jack. It’s said the device will be the thinnest model to date.

Also anticipated? Higher costs for manufacturers and fewer units delivered to consumers.

Back to Econ 101: When supply decreases and demand stays the same or increases … what happens then?

One answer is: Ready your sleeping bag, because you may want to join the line that’s ready to snake around your local Apple Store.