Apple warns of looming iPhone 14 shortage and longer wait times

Date:
Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:18:19 +0000

Description:
Anyone waiting to get their hands on an iPhone 14 model will need to be patient as Covid restrictions impact one of Apples China-based factories.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

If youre one of the many looking to get your hands on the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max our pick for the best phone money can buy right now you might be left waiting a while. Thats according to a new statement from iPhone-maker Apple, which reports significant impacts to iPhone production following a Covid outbreak at one of the companys China-based production facilities.

Covid-19 restrictions have temporarily impacted the primary iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max assembly facility located in Zhengzhou, China, Apple says
in its statement. The facility is currently operating at significantly
reduced capacity.

Thats bad news and worse timing for consumers looking to get their hands on the latest iPhone model in the lead up to Christmas, with significant
shipment delays expected in the coming months. Apples store suggests wait times for shipment of the Pro models is already 4-5 weeks, which might blow out even further if there are extended Covid disruptions.

We continue to see strong demand for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models, says Apple. However, we now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated and customers will
experience longer wait times to receive their new products.

Zhengzhou, the Chinese city thats home to the primary production facility for Apple's iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, has been hit by an outbreak of Covid-19 in recent weeks, which saw the city reporting 167 cases in the final full week of October. Foxconn, which operates the Apple factory, is reported to have tried to enforce a lockdown of its facility late last month in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.

In the immediate aftermath, videos shared on Chinese social media showed factory workers attempting to flee the facility amid reports of poor conditions, and insufficient food and medical resources during the imposed quarantine.

Apple is not the first tech company to have its supply chains impacted by Chinas notoriously strict Covid restrictions, which has seen the area of Zhengzhou housing the Foxconn facility in government-mandated lockdown until at least midday November 9.

The delays come only weeks following the iPhone 14s launch in mid-September, with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max proving particularly popular with Apple fans and experts alike. Its unclear when production at Apples Zhengzhou facility might resume normal functionality, but the disruptions are undoubtedly a blow for both Apple and consumers at an inopportune time.
Prefer to wait for the iPhone 15? Here's everything we know about the
upcoming model



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-warns-of-looming-iphone-14-shortage-and-l onger-wait-times/


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)