Apple warned investors and users that it will sell less iPhone 14 Pro e Pro Max in the coming months, due to a production slowed by lockdowns in China. In fact, the establishment of Zhengzhou where he assembles these two smartphones is working on limited capacity. And Apple wants to “prioritize the health and safety of workers in our supply chain.” Even at the cost of blowing up some Christmas presents.
Apple: iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max production slowed down by lockdowns
With an official post on its blog, Apple warns that production of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will proceed slower than expected for the foreseeable future. “Covid-19 restrictions have temporarily impacted our factories main assembly for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max of Zhengzhous, China ”explains Mela.
“The facility is currently operating at significantly reduced capacity. As we have done throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we are giving priority to the health and safety of the workers in our supply chain “.
Apple goes on to explain that although “we continue to see strong demand for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models,” they expect to reduce the number of shipments compared to what was estimated. This could mean that “our customers will have to wait longer to receive their products “.
Cupertino however assures that “we are working closely with our suppliers to return to normal production levels while ensuring the health and safety of each worker”.
I lockdown di Foxconn
The main partner Apple talks about is Foxconn, a Chinese company that has its own assembly plant in Zhengzhou that has convinced Cupertino of its quality on several occasions. But in the area where he works, the Chinese government has imposed a one week lockdown early last month. Yet another in the region, which is struggling to contain the spread of the new viral variants.
The assembly line known as “iPhone City“Sees well 200 thousand workers, who live in the area together with their families. According to analytics firm Counterpoint, four out of five next-generation iPhones are produced right here.
Foxconn announced it was “working with the authorities to return to full capacity as soon as possible”. But it has already revised its revenues downwards by the end of the year. Although in the meantime it seems to be moving some of the own businesses in India, it seems difficult to do so quickly.
What about iPhones under the Christmas tree?
Over the past two years, Apple has repeatedly had to report production slowdowns to its shareholders during board meetings. But this time he communicated directly with the buyers. This suggests that not everyone will be able to get a new iPhone before the holidays.
Tim Cook explained that the reserves of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have remained “limited” since launch. And that “they continue to be limited even today and therefore we are working very hard to meet the demand ”.
In short: if you want to buy an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max to put under the Christmas tree, you will have to decide quickly. At the moment on the Apple site they serve 4 to 5 weeks to start the shipment. And the situation will not improve under the holidays.