Apple Inc has told manufacturers of its new iPhone 5C that it will cut orders of the smartphone for the final three months of the year, a source familiar with the supply chain situation said.

Pegatron Corp, a manufacturer of Apple's new phone, had iPhone 5C orders reduced by less than 20 percent, the source told Reuters on Wednesday.

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Apple's other manufacturer of the iPhone 5C, has had its orders for the same period reduced by one-third, the Wall Street Journal reported. The 5C is a slightly cheaper alternative to the premium 5S model. Pegatron and Hon Hai declined to comment, while Apple could not be reached for comment.