The coronavirus outbreak has not only affected the operations of many businesses in China but its negative effects reverberate all over the world. Major companies all over the world dependent on production facilities in China are affected by the recent disruption caused by the deadly virus. Apple, despite its optimism, has reportedly warned its employees that iPhone components and replacement units may run short.
iPhone Components Could Run Short
A new report from Bloomberg claims that several Apple Stores have experienced a shortage of individual parts for repairs of the device. It reveals that the Cupertino company told technical support staff on its retail stores that replacement units of iPhones would run short for two weeks to a month. These replacement units are the ones that Apple Stores give to customers whenever they bring their irreparable units.
According to the report, Apple advised its technical support staff to mail replacement iPhones to the owners and give them loaner devices to make up for the delays. Apart from the replacement units, the report also reveals that Apple is also suffering from shortages on the supply of iPhone parts. The site speculates that these shortages could be due to the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak in the supply chain of the Cupertino tech juggernaut.
A few days earlier, several sites reported that some Apple Stores across the globe are seeing tight supply of iPad Pro. Some speculated that it could be an indication that Apple is clearing the shelves for the arrival of the new iPad Pro. But, it could also be due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Apple Optimistic About China and COVID-19
Recently, the Cupertino tech giant restricted its employees from traveling to countries with COVID-19 cases. It includes China, Italy, and South Korea. Apple opts to hold a meeting with employees online because of the health crisis. Out of 42 stores in China, Apple already re-opened 38 stores.
While Apple has temporarily shut down some of its stores, it is still positive that China would be able to get through the health crisis. In a recent interview with Fox Business, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that he is optimistic about how the country handles the coronavirus outbreak issue. He also shared that some of its production facilities in the region are now ramping up their production and intend to return to their normal operation soon.
Apple is anticipated to launch its entry-level iPhone SE 2 this month, but some think that the release might be delayed because of supply chain disruption.
