Apple is readying up for a busy iPhone launch cycle after asking suppliers to produce at least 75m units of its next-generation smartphone.

A Bloomberg report on Tuesday revealed that Apple wants 75m ‘iPhone 12’ models manufactured in time for the global release date, which is expected to be in October.

Apple has also internally estimated that shipments could hit 80m units in 2020.

The Cupertino-based company is expecting fervent demand for its latest flagship smartphone despite the challenges associated with the pandemic.

Some analysts expect the iPhone 12 to be the first in a new ‘supercycle’ of Apple devices.

This is because the iPhone 12 will have 5G mobile connectivity for the first time.

Rumours also suggest that there will be a better camera setup and larger battery capacity in addition to the annual CPU improvements.

Apple is tipped to release four different versions of the iPhone 12 with one or two featuring the premium ‘Pro’ branding.

There will also be several screen sizes, ranging from a smaller 5.4 inches to a new, larger 6.7 inches.

However, Apple has delayed the release date slightly this year from its usual September launch window.

There had been fears that the new iPhone would be pushed back into 2021 after Apple faced issues with its supply chain in the spring amid factory closures and stay-at-home measures related to COVID-19.

The pandemic has not dampened demand from consumers though as excitement about the new iPhone helped Apple to surpass a $2tn market valuation in August.