iPhone 6S Plus Update: Analysts Down Thumbs Even As Apple Claims 'Large' Demand

Apple's claims of early demand for its new iPhones notwithstanding, a top analyst has predicted a much smaller demand for this year's devices.

CNBC reports predictions of Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves who claimed early sales would be weak. Hargreaves pegged the claims on weak Google search volume, third-party surveys and device shipment availability, besides absence of quantitative statements from Apple and wireless carriers. Google searches this year are said to be only three-quarters of last year's searchers when Apple sold 10 million units of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus by the end of first week after availability.

Though Apple claimed earlier this month that early demand is higher than last year, investors and market watchers are skeptical. Apple also claimed that the demand for the 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus is bigger than expected.

If other reports about production and shipment are true, Hargreaves may be spot-on with his predictions.

According to CNET, production of iPhone 6S Plus has been hit by backlight issues. Minebea, the manufacturer of the backlight modules for iPhone 6S Plus may have suffered production issues, forcing Apple to move to another manufacturer Radiant. This is being tied to a possible delay in shipments of the larger iPhone which could push users towards the smaller iPhone 6S or other non-Apple devices.