iPhone Shipments to Decline in Q3 2012

Apple

is expected to ship 20 to 25 million iPhones in the third quarter.

According to

, "As volume production of a new version of iPhone will start in August 2012, the total shipments for the new and legacy models in the third quarter are expected to reach 20-25 million units." DigiTimes cites "sources from the supply chain," adding that shipments of the existing iPhone models are on the decline. "The new version will account for a large portion of the third-quarter shipments, the sources indicated." While shipment numbers can be a positive sales indicator, the two are not equal. Apple could, for example,

25 million iPhones in the third quarter and

30 million units because several of the devices are already on store shelves. It is unknown how Apple's new and emerging markets will impact sales of its next smartphone. However, a

suggested that the iPhone could sell 25 million units in China this year. In 2013, Chinese sales are expected to rise to 35 million units.