New evidence continues to show how the coronavirus outbreak can affect the timing of new Apple devices. It became known that the delay in production will cause not only a shortage in devices but also an increase in prices for already released iPhone models.
At the moment, the production of iPhones in Chinese factories is happening with a significant time lag. At this stage, Apple partners can process from 30 to 50% of orders.
The other day, Apple announced to investors that the company would not be able to achieve its planned quarterly revenue. Due to the coronavirus and declining consumer demand in China, there has been a noticeable disruption in global iPhone shipments.
Also, Apple planned the mass production of the new cheap version of the iPhone that should be released under the name iPhone 9. However, there’s no guarantee that the smartphone will go on sale during March or even April of this year.
It should be noted that the increase in prices for iPhone smartphones and other Apple products is virtually inevitable. And if Apple still manages to release the iPhone 9 in March or April, the new iPad Pro will linger.
Earlier, Apple temporarily closed branded retail stores and offices in China. International iPhone shipments will be limited until the production resumes. Although manufacturing partners have already opened their factories, product output is gaining volume more slowly than Apple executives expected.
In addition to the temporary shortage of iPhones around the world, quarterly sales will be significantly affected by the fact that many branded and third-party stores in China are closed. And there are still very few buyers in stores that did not close and work on a reduced schedule.
Apple is gradually opening its stores, but this is not enough to offset the failure of quarter sales.
