iPhone 4S demand to fuel NAND flash sales

The announcement of Apple Inc.'s latest smartphone to an eager crowd was met with enthusiasm that waned just as quickly as the unveiling of the device that fell short of expectations. Only the iPhone 4S was released amid speculations that iPhone 5 will be revealed as well. Although the device could disappoint some high-end users, TrendForce Corp. hints strong sales for iPhone 4S.

It has been one year and four months since the last iPhone was released, and there are consumers in the market that are looking to purchase new phones. In addition to the expected strong market demand, the new iPhone is equipped with high-capacity NAND flash, which will also trigger a significant growth in the flash market.

According to TrendForce's predictions, the performance enhancement of the next-generation iPhone is seen to bolster iPhone's total sales and increase its market share. In fact, analysts indicate that the iPhone shipment next year may top 100 million. With a sales surge of this scale, considerable growth in the NAND flash market by 2012 is expected. At the moment, NAND flash market is in a state of slight oversupply. However, the forecasted demand for iPhone 4S is expected to stabilize the NAND flash price, possibly creating a minor undersupply that would trigger a price increase.

iPhone's touch panel suppliers, including TPK, Wintek and CMI, have delivered their components in advance for the new iPhone's assembly. With the anticipated demand, these suppliers will benefit from the smartphone's mass production and sales.