WSJ: Apple to increase production of gold Apple iPhone 5s by 33%

With the gold version of the new Apple iPhone 5s proving to be the most popular color choice among buyers, Apple has requested that its partners increase production of the unit by 33%, according to those close to the Cupertino based tech titan. In China, where Apple allowed consumers to reserve their iPhone 5s starting on September 17th, the gold unit sold out first, followed by the silver model.

Production of the full-featured iPhone has been limited by low yields of parts related to the Touch ID and the camera lens module, according to a couple of recent rumors. Apple's online store shows an October delivery date for any Apple iPhone 5s unit ordered from the site. Meanwhile, all configurations of the mid-range Apple iPhone 5c are available to be shipped within 24 hours if ordered from Apple's own web site.

While Apple did not offer a pre-order period for the iPhone 5s, it did allow those in China to make reservations to buy the device. This was done to avoid the violence that took place in the country when the Apple iPhone 4s was launched. Apple halted sales of the model in its own Apple Stores in China after a delay in opening one location resulted in rock throwing and other violence. With the reservation system, Chinese consumers receive a special booking code by text that allows them to go online and configure an Apple iPhone 5s model. After typing in an acceptable proof of ID, the buyer is given a specific date and time when to show up at the nearby Apple Store to pick up the order.

The system not only helps prevent a repeat of the violence that marred the launch of the Apple iPhone 4s in China, it also prevents scalpers from obtaining a large batch of phones enabling them to run up the price of the handset.

source: WSJ