Apple upbeat on iPhone SE demand but some Asian retailers, suppliers less cheery

Continuing effort: The US Justice Department said it would keep fighting to force Apple Inc to open an iPhone in a New York drug case. — Reuters

HONG KONG: After announcing its first-ever drop in iPhone sales on April 26, Apple Inc sought to reassure investors by saying its latest and cheapest model was in strong demand after being launched in late March. Some retailers and suppliers in Asia aren't so sure. 

In a Reuters survey of 10 retailers in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, seven – including four Apple Stores – reported solid early demand, but three third-party retailers said sales were weak. Two suppliers of components for Apple phones, including the new iPhone SE, said they were seeing lower orders.