“Many analysts expect Apple to sell around 11 million iPhone 3Gs in 2008 and another 25 million in 2009. But perhaps the most optimistic forecast is from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, who expects the company to sell 13 million this year and 45 million next year,” Peter Burrows reports for BusinessWeek.

“While final sales can’t be known until after the fact, clues are emerging as to Apple’s production plans. As of mid-August, they were ambitious, BusinessWeek has learned. Apple plans to build 40 million to 45 million iPhone 3Gs in the 12 months through August 2009, according to a person familiar with the company’s plans,” Burrows reports.

“The low end of that range is 52% more than the 26 million Munster expects the company to sell in that time. Apple boosted its production plans when initial sales proved stronger than the company expected, says the person, who requested anonymity. On launch day, the company expected to build 30 million iPhone 3Gs in 12 months. Apple declined to comment beyond reiterating that it expects to reach a stated goal of selling 10 million iPhone 3Gs in 2008,” Burrows reports.

“Until recently, the major problem facing Apple and its partners was how to get enough iPhone 3Gs to market. Daily production has been running at around 150,000, says the person familiar with Apple’s plans. If maintained five days a week for 52 weeks, that pace implies an annual production of 39 million devices,” Burrows reports.

More in the full article here.

[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers "Mike in Helsinki" and "Chuckles the Microsoft CEO" for the heads up.]