Apple warned buyers and clients on Sunday that it expects to ship fewer iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models because the world’s most beneficial tech agency grapples with the continuing Covid-19 lockdown in China.
The firm mentioned it continues to see robust demand for the professional fashions of the brand new iPhone 14 lineup, however the lockdown restriction has prompted it to slash its earlier cargo estimates. The warning comes at an important time for Apple as the corporate, like many others, prepares for the vacation procuring season.
“The facility [located in Zhengzhou, China] is currently operating at significantly reduced capacity. As we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prioritizing the health and safety of the workers in our supply chain,” the corporate mentioned in a weblog put up.
Like many companies, Apple has been navigating methods to maintain its merchandise shipments amid a worldwide provide chain disruption for over two years. The disclosure surrounding the shipments on Sunday is uncommon for Apple, which has largely chosen to make such disclosures at its quarterly earnings calls.
The replace, nevertheless, doesn’t come as a shock. Apple chief government Tim Cook mentioned within the current earnings name final month that provide for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have been “constrained” since launch. “We continue to be constrained today and so we’re working very hard to fulfil the demand,” he mentioned on the decision.
The firm mentioned Sunday that it was “working closely with our supplier to return to normal production levels while ensuring the health and safety of every worker.”
China ordered a seven-day lockdown of the realm surrounding Foxconn’s flagship plant in Zhengzhou earlier this month, doubling down on an identical restriction positioned on the area final month. The meeting line, in response to Bloomberg’s estimates, produces 4 out of 5 of the present era iPhone handsets.