Chip orders from Apple have been relatively slow in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the same quarter in previous years, due to poor sales of the vendor's existing iPhone and iPad devices, according to industry sources.

In addition, there is still no sign of a substantial rise in chip orders from Apple for the third quarter, despite the expected arrival of the new iPhone slated for launch in September, the sources indicated.

Overall chip demand from other device vendors has also been disappointing, the sources said. Orders for PCs, tablets and handsets remain slow while those for consumer electronics products are relatively brisk thanks to seasonal demand.

IC foundries have seen their clients stay relatively inactive with regards to placing orders, and have now become conservative about their business outlooks for the third quarter of 2016, the sources noted.