Apple announced iPhone shipments of 47.8 million units in the fourth quarter of 2012 but only half of that volume was the latest iPhone 5; the iPhone 4S still contributed about 20 million units, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

The sources believe that the strong price/performance ratio of the iPhone 4S compared to the iPhone 5 allowed the previous-generation smartphone to continue seeing strong demand in the retail channel and the unexpected outcome has in turn benefited the upstream supply chain of the iPhone 4S.

Currently, the iPhone 5 and the iPad 4 are both manufactured by Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), while the iPhone 4S and the iPad mini are handled by Pegatron Technology.

Demand for the iPhone 4 is expected to remain strong in the first quarter of 2013, the sources added.

By: DocMemory
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