Toshiba Ramping Up Flash Production Ahead of iPod Refresh?

[MacRumors]

DigiTimes reports that Toshiba is planning to ramp up its NAND flash memory production in August, with claims that the production is tied to contracted orders leading to speculation that Apple has begun preparations for launching new iPods soon after. The news is unsurprising, as Apple's yearly product cycles generally see updates to the iPod line in the September/October timeframe.

Toshiba is expected to ramp up its NAND flash production to over 90% of its capacity in August, according to sources at memory card makers. Despite the increases in output, the chipmaker has told downstream players that its supply to the spot market will be limited, prompting speculation that the Japan supplier is seeing strong demand from Apple, the sources indicated.

Apple noted during its earnings conference call last week that it had made a $500 million prepayment to Toshiba for flash memory.

Third-party iPod case manufacturers in China have also been launching products designed to fit rumored iPod touch and iPod nano revisions, although just how much advance information such manufacturers are privy to remains unclear.

Continued rumors of an Apple tablet release before the end of the year will also lead to speculation that some of Toshiba's production ramp may be related to the launch of the new device.

Article Link: Toshiba Ramping Up Flash Production Ahead of iPod Refresh?

 

[DUSTmurph]

Can't wait for my 64GB iPod touch with 3MP camera and faster processor

 

[15inchbrick]

I would pickup a 64 GB Touch in a heartbeat

 

[michael.lauden]

190% or 90%?

 

[heisetax]

bigger iPods

Everyone expects a 64 GB iPod Touch. Other solid state iPods will probably get bigger. This all means larger NAND memory requirements. This sounds good for Apple & iPod users. 64 GB is needed as the 32 GB iPod Touch has been around for over 1 1/2 years.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

I'm hoping for a flash-based iPod Classic at $249 or less.

In order for it to work, though, there will have to be two subdivisions:

Flash: This lower capacity, starting at 32 GB, going up to 64 GB. $249 and $349.

HDD: Highest capacity, starting at 120 GB, up to 160 GB. $249 and $349.

If I were running the iPod division, I'd make them plastic again. It looks better, IMO.

 

[Mal]

190% or 90%?

I would assume that they had not been running the factories at 100% capacity, but rather 60-70% based on the demand for flash memory. Since demand is expected to increase, they are planning to increase to about 90% of their total capacity to meet the demand. Increasing it to 190% (or by 90%) would require building new plants, it's not as simple as this article seems to imply their process is. Thus, I think it's safe to say that they are not increasing their theoretical total output, but rather increase their actual output based on their capabilities.

jW

 

[Full of Win]

...in a related story. Rain was confirmed to be wet today. Also, Jackhammers were found to be loud. More on these braking revelations tonight.

 

[Peace]

I would assume that they had not been running the factories at 100% capacity, but rather 60-70% based on the demand for flash memory. Since demand is expected to increase, they are planning to increase to about 90% of their total capacity to meet the demand. Increasing it to 190% (or by 90%) would require building new plants, it's not as simple as this article seems to imply their process is. Thus, I think it's safe to say that they are not increasing their theoretical total output, but rather increase their actual output based on their capabilities.

jW

Yup. And it's seasonal too. Goes to show how big Apple is in the flash memory market. Where goes Apple's iPods there goes flash memory.

 

[Michael73]

The NAND flash for new iPods is a sure thing but for a tablet is a stretch unless Apple plans on an introduction prior to the holiday season. Regardless, the rumored iTablet would be such a HUGE deal that it certainly wouldn't be lumped into an iPod refresh. I can see Steve making his first public appearance at a special media event to launch this device.

 

[ct2k7]

Oh my, I'm still not going for a new iPod.

 

[DaveTheGrey]

An iPod Touch with a camera and GPS would be such a great device.

 

[Full of Win]

An iPod Touch with a camera and GPS would be such a great device.

...of they put a cell phone receiver in such a device. Wow, what would they call such a contraption? PowerPhone, Phone Pro, hmmm.,.. Guess we will never know.
what

 

[nagromme]

The "tablet" this year might be true, but AI's report suggesting Jan-Mar 2010 instead sounds very plausible.

 

[NT1440]

I guess nano's and touches sell VERY well, unless of course this is a sign at a transition to all flash memory or they just need it for some other devices too

 

[macduke]

I wonder if Apple would consider bringing back the iBook name for a new tablet device? Makes sense, although it may be confusing at first. Hopefully it uses at least 128gb of flash memory.

 

[billystlyes]

Wow, imagine them ramping up production before September.

 

[ddTaylor]

The NAND flash for new iPods is a sure thing but for a tablet is a stretch unless Apple plans on an introduction prior to the holiday season. Regardless, the rumored iTablet would be such a HUGE deal that it certainly wouldn't be lumped into an iPod refresh. I can see Steve making his first public appearance at a special media event to launch this device.

My guess would be the iPod refresh would be minor and not worthy of a complete event and but a foot-note to the iTab (isn't that a soft-drink?) that would take center stage.

Just speculation - that is what this site is for, right?

D

 

[ddTaylor]

The "tablet" this year might be true, but AI's report suggesting Jan-Mar 2010 instead sounds very plausible.

Would Apple want to lose out on the Holiday season by missing the October deadline? I would argue that Apple wants in on the cash-cow that is Christmas or whatever you happen to call it or celebrate. I call it Christmas, but that is just me.

D

I guess I need to figure out the multi-quote set-up. I am sorry and will fix that for my next post if it applies.

 

[Bjohnson33]

I would pickup a 64 GB Touch in a heartbeat

Same here - bring it on!

 

[Mjmar]

I call a tablet in mid October... You heard it from me first.

 

[reactions]

It's nice to have more memory but apple needs to conform to divx and other media types.

It's a shame that apple acts like bully's still.

Why doesn't my device play other files?

We need to fight against apples' tyranny!

 

[Macnator]

Bring on the Apple Tablet/Netbook. Whatever Apple calls it, if it indeed exists.

I want one. I just hope it isn't too expensive.

 

[Blue Fox]

I'm almost postive we'll see a 64GB iPod touch.

We might also see an all-flash Classic perhaps? That would definately make it thinner and lighter. Plus, they might be able to shove 128GB of Flash into a classic, yet keep it at the same pricepoint as it doesn't have the expensive touchscreen like the touch. Who knows, I'm just speculating.

 

[joeshell383]

I'm almost postive we'll see a 64GB iPod touch.

We might also see an all-flash Classic perhaps? That would definately make it thinner and lighter. Plus, they might be able to shove 128GB of Flash into a classic, yet keep it at the same pricepoint as it doesn't have the expensive touchscreen like the touch. Who knows, I'm just speculating.

The classic won't receive flash memory. There are three options for the classic:

-EOL
-Higher capacity HDD
-No update

If option 3, a price drop is possible. If the classic makes in through another year it will be EOLed in 2010 with a 128 GB iPod touch as the replacement, regardless of the capacity of the iPod classic at the time.