Apple is warning clients they must wait longer for the most recent iPhone fashions after COVID restrictions have been imposed on a contractor’s manufacturing facility in central China.
The firm announcement gave no particulars however mentioned the manufacturing facility, operated by Foxconn within the central metropolis of Zhengzhou, is “operating at significantly reduced capacity”.
“We now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated,” Apple mentioned.
“Customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products.”
Foxconn Technology Group mentioned earlier it imposed anti-virus measures on the manufacturing facility following virus outbreaks.
Apple and Foxconn beforehand hadn’t responded to questions on how iPhone manufacturing is likely to be affected.
Last week, entry to the economic zone the place the manufacturing facility is situated was suspended for one week following a surge in coronavirus infections in Zhengzhou and the departure of staff from the manufacturing facility.
The lockdown is anticipated to trigger additional disruptions to the plant.
Foxconn mentioned in a press release that it’s revising its outlook for this quarter downward because of the lockdown.
“Foxconn is now working with the government in a concerted effort to stamp out the pandemic and resume production to its full capacity as quickly as possible,” the corporate mentioned on Monday.
It additionally mentioned that the provincial authorities has mentioned it is going to “fully support” Foxconn in managing the plant’s pandemic prevention and operation state of affairs.
In a put up on the Zhengzhou plant’s WeChat social media account on Sunday, the corporate mentioned a “closed loop” system would prohibit its workers’ journey between their dormitories and the manufacturing facility space to handle the chance of COVID-19 transmission.
“We are working closely with our supplier to return to normal production levels while ensuring the health and safety of every worker,” Apple mentioned.
Source: information.sky.com”