It is highly likely that Apple's iPhone 2020 release calendar will be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak that has hit China. Mass production of Apple-designed devices has already been delayed, indicating that commercial release of both the iPhone SE 2 and the 2020 iPhone models could be pushed back from the original plan.
The latest word from China indicated that Foxconn factories in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou will not resume production activities this week per the guidance from local authorities. The Shenzhen factory, in particular, is still regarded as "high risks of coronavirus infection," as local authorities feared that structures in the production complex could be the vehicle to spread the deadly disease.
It's the same thing with Zhengzhou as MacRumors reported that Chinese officials had prohibited the plan by Foxconn to resume production works due to the concern that the virus will "spread quickly in a labor-intensive environment."
Per the same report, Foxconn intends to halt production in both factories until health officials have determined it will be safe for employees to resume work. It should be noted that Zhengzhou is the largest facility that makes the iPhone and further production delays will likely result in the readjustment of the new models' release this 2020.
In the case of the iPhone 12 line, the upcoming versions will be assembled in Shenzhen, and unless production rate reaches at least 50 percent of the pre-shutdown level, delays have to be expected.
According to Apple Insider, the same goes for the iPhone SE 2 that is believed to be handled by Pegatron through the Apple contractor's Kunshan factory, which was affected too by the shutdown. Production there has been delayed, and full resumption is not expected anytime soon, which suggested that the reported March 2020 release of the handset might not push through.
Citing the latest research note issued on the matter by Ming-chi Kuo, the same report said Apple has already moved a significant amount of iPhone production loads to India and Taiwan. However, these locations are believed grappling with limited capacities, and delivery could be plagued by supply shortage or delays.
Kuo also noted that the current iPhone models could soon be in short supply as Zhengzhou is where the bulk of the iPhone 11 models are manufactured. If the factory remains offline for weeks to come, then problems on unit availability could soon ensue.
Foxconn has stated that resumption of operation will be dictated by the recommendations that will come from authorities. The company added, according to 9to5Mac, that is no pressure from Apple to restart production earlier than what has been advised by Chinese health officials.
This was in line with the earlier statement issued by Apple, which said that in view of the coronavirus outbreak, the "first priority is the well-being of our teams, supplier partners and customers across China," the report added.
