According to a Nikkei story on Thursday, Apple was spotted purchasing parts for a lot more iPhones than it did the year before as the tech behemoth was ready for an artificial intelligence-driven spike in sales.

The report indicates that Apple placed orders for parts and components for 88 million to 90 million units of its flagship smartphone, as opposed to the earlier estimate of roughly 80 million units. Additionally, a few vendors reported orders totalling over 90 million devices.

The report is released only a few days before Apple unveils its iPhone 16 lineup, which is anticipated to have a plethora of generative AI technologies in response to the industry's rising interest.  

The rise in orders is in line with several expert projections that artificial intelligence will contribute to a fresh wave of growth in iPhone sales, which have been falling over the previous twelve months. The Cupertino, California-based computer behemoth was up against more and more opposition in China, where competitor products like Huawei were eating into Apple's sales.

Global competitor Samsung, which outperformed Apple by packing a tonne of AI technologies into its flagship Galaxy handsets, also posed a greater threat to the firm.

According to the Nikkei story, Apple suppliers are still worried about the iPhone's future and predict "flattish" iPhone shipments in 2024. The company is also battling heightened trade tensions with China, as Beijing has prohibited government personnel from utilising Apple goods for official functions.

(Sources: investing.com, reuters.com)