VCM (voice coil motor) and other component suppliers have still seen no cutback in orders for the new iPhones, and are gearing up for shipments for the next generation of Apple's iPhone SE series slated for launch in the first half of 2022, according to industry sources.
Since Apple would usually make adjustments to its component orders in December after observing the market's latest status, it is rather rare for the US-based brand to decide not to cut back any orders.
With the stable VCM orders and the new inexpensive iPhone SE, VCM makers are expected to see their order pull-ins from Apple stronger than those of Android smartphone brands, who are expected to see their actual sales in 2021 falling short of the annual targets by 10-20%.
WT Microelectronics, a channel distributor that handles most ICs for Apple's products, saw its November revenues rise 28% on month and 20% on year to NT$47 billion (US$1.68 billion) with consolidated revenues for the first 11 months of 2021 arriving at NT$402.6 billion, up 27% on year.
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) that provides backend services for iPhones' SiPs, AiPs and regular ICs, also saw its November consolidated revenues rise 14.74% on month and 19.46% on year to reach the highest monthly record ever at NT$60.52 billion, while the amount for the first 11 months of 2021 combined also uplifted nearly 20% on year.
Because of robust market demand, ASE's revenues are expected to stay strong for the rest of the first quarter of 2022.
Win Semiconductors that manufacture power amplifiers (PAs), VCSEL components for 3D sensors and ToF registered November consolidated revenues of NT$2.38 billion, up 0.72% on month, also the highest monthly record ever. The company's revenues in December are expected to climb further.
Some market observers expect Win Semiconductors' sales to significantly benefit from Apple's new AR/VR products and the concept of metaverses in 2022, but the company declined to comment on its orders or clients.
