Component suppliers in Taiwan have reportedly started deliveries to Foxconn and Pegatron – the two OEMs that manufacture iPhones — for production of the next-generation device, which is expected to be released in September.

Initial shipments of the new iPhone 6S in Q4 are expected to reach at least 50 million units, a source familiar with the iPhone supply chain told DigiTimes.

Total iPhone shipments in 2015 are expected to reach 230 million to 240 million units, compared to 192 million units shipped in 2014, the source forecasts.

Taiwan-based suppliers such as Pegatron, Zhen Ding, Flexium and Largan Precision have all had to expand their production facilities to meet rising orders from Apple, DigiTimes said.

Record iPhone shipments have helped boost their sales as well as others, including Catcher Technology, Foxlink Technology and General Interface Solution (GIS). GIS last month reported a 60 per cent increase in its fiscal Q3 revenue thanks to strong orders from Apple.

The world’s largest contract chip manufacturer TSMC reportedly will supply chips for the next iPhone models.

Last week Bloomberg reported Apple has started early production of devices, which feature a screen including the “Force Touch” technology introduced by Apple’s Watch. Force Touch enables the device to differentiate between “a tap and a press”, enabling users to access different functions based on the intensity of the input.

Externally, it is possible Apple will use a stronger grade of aluminium which is 60 per cent stronger but still lightweight, and which has already been used in the Watch wearable.

Also suggested is a new colour variant – pink (likely to be called “rose gold”, echoing the colour used in Apple’s Watch line).

Internally, the device is likely to gain a faster processor, called A9, alongside 2GB of RAM. The camera is also likely to be upgraded to 12MP.