Apple Inc. is warning customers they will have to wait longer to get their latest iPhone models after antivirus restrictions were imposed on a contractor’s factory in central China.
Apple Inc. is warning customers they will have to wait longer to get their latest iPhone models after antivirus restrictions were imposed on a contractor’s factory in central China.
The company’s announcement on Sunday gave no details, but said the Foxconn-operated factory in the central city 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,” the company said. “Customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products.”
Foxconn Technology Group has previously said it has imposed anti-virus measures at the factory in Zhengzhou following virus outbreaks. Apple and Foxconn had not previously responded to questions about how iPhone production might be affected.
Last week, access to the industrial zone where the factory is located was suspended for a week following a spike in infections in Zhengzhou and the departure of factory workers.
The closure is expected to cause further disruption at the plant, which in recent weeks has seen a spate of coronavirus infections and an exodus of workers, some of whom fled the factory on foot.
Foxconn said in a statement that it is lowering its outlook for this quarter due to the shutdown.
“Foxconn is now working with the government in a concerted effort to eradicate the pandemic and resume production at full capacity as quickly as possible,” the company said Monday.
He also said that the provincial government has said it will “fully support” Foxconn in managing the operation situation and pandemic prevention of the plant.
In a post on the Zhengzhou plant’s WeChat social media account on Sunday, the company said a “closed-loop” system would restrict its employees’ travel between their dormitories and the factory area to manage transmission risks. of COVID-19.
The last quarter of the year is often a busy season for companies like Foxconn as they ramp up production ahead of the year-end Christmas rush.
“We are working closely with our supplier to return to normal production levels while ensuring the health and safety of all workers,” Apple said.