If you're 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 you can buy right now, you might have to wait a moment. That's according to a new statement (opens in a new tab) from iPhone maker Apple, reporting significant impacts to iPhone production following a Covid outbreak at one of the company's production facilities in China.
“Covid-19 restrictions have temporarily affected the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max primary assembly plant located in Zhengzhou, China,” Apple said in its statement. "The facility is currently operating at a significantly reduced capacity."
It's bad news and worse timing for consumers looking to get their hands on the latest iPhone model before Christmas, as major shipping delays are expected in the coming months. Apple Store suggests that shipping lead times for Pro models are already 4-5 weeks, which could skyrocket further in the event of prolonged Covid outages.
“We continue to see strong demand for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models,” Apple said. "However, we now expect lower shipments of iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max than previously anticipated and customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products."
Zhengzhou, the Chinese city that is home to Apple's main iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max production plant, has been hit by an outbreak of Covid-19 in recent weeks, with 167 cases recorded in the city in The last weeks. the last full week of October. Foxconn, which operates Apple's factory, reportedly tried to impose a lockdown on its facilities 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 plant amid reports of poor conditions and shortages of food and medical resources during the imposed lockdown.
Apple isn't the first tech company to see its supply chains affected by China's notoriously tough Covid restrictions, which saw the Zhengzhou region host Foxconn's government-mandated facility until at least November 9. A mediodia.
The delays come just weeks after the iPhone 14 launched in mid-September, with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max proving particularly popular with Apple fans and insiders. It's unclear when production at Apple's Zhengzhou factory might resume normal operations, but the disruptions are certainly a blow to Apple and consumers at an inopportune time.