Apple Reportedly Bumps iPhone 3GS Manufacturing Orders Nearly 20%

DigiTimes reports on claims from several sources indicating that Apple has recently increased manufacturing orders for the iPhone 3GS by up to 20%, suggesting continued strong demand for the device.

Apple has increased fourth-quarter orders for the iPhone 3GS to its Taiwan-based manufacturing partners Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) and Primax Electronics by 17-20%, noted the sources.

OmniVision, manufacturer of of the image sensors used in the iPhone's camera, has also reportedly notified its customers of tight supply through late November, ostensibly due to Apple's supply requirements.

Apple noted during its earnings conference call last week that it had experienced shortages of the iPhone 3GS throughout the quarter due to unexpected demand, confirming observations in a number of markets over the past few months. The company did note, however, that supplies had come back into balance with demand in most countries by late September or early October.