MacBook Pro Supplier Considering Relocating Factory to Increase Production

Apple supplier Quanta Computer is considering the feasibility of relocating its MacBook Pro production to its factory in Chongqing, China, as output at its Shanghai plant remains constrained by lockdown restrictions, according to industry sources cited by DigiTimes.

14 vs 16 inch mbp feature
The move could gradually boost the availability of MacBook Pro models and shorten the extended delivery times that Apple customers have been experiencing in recent weeks, but staffing and logistical issues could hinder progress.

In a tweet last month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Quanta is the sole supplier of high-end MacBook Pro models, which are facing significant supply constraints. In the United States, for instance, all 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro configurations are currently estimated for delivery in mid-July to early August on Apple's online store.

On an earnings call last month, Apple said supply constraints caused by COVID-related disruptions and industrywide silicon shortages were impacting the company's ability to meet customer demand for its products. Apple said it expected the constraints to have a $4 billion to $8 billion impact on the company's June quarter revenue.

Apple's latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models launched in October 2021, with key new features including M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, the return of several built-in ports, and a ProMotion display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate.

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Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
36 months ago
It is time to say goodbye to China. When will these companies realize this? What’s it going to take?
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DarkHelmet Avatar
36 months ago
If Intel can build a plant in Ohio, perhaps Apple could, too. Or Texas. Or Tennessee. Or in Ireland or Poland or practically anyplace other than China.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mansplains Avatar
36 months ago
Hoped the article would be about moving production to other nations, but that remains a pipe dream.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DarkHelmet Avatar
36 months ago

As long as a Chinese worker will cost you as much per day as an American on a McJob per hour, they will not leave.
Chinese labor isn't as cheap as it used to be. And productivity matters, as does quality. Not to mention the fact that if you can't get your factories open the labor costs are irrelevant.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shaggymax Avatar
36 months ago
6-8 weeks of shutdown = how many units? Effects will be felt into 2023 :(
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MajorFubar Avatar
36 months ago

I ordered a 14" MBP M1 Pro with only 16 GB of ram based on Apple's recommendation. Ends up it is grossly under spec'd for general document management and multitasking. They keep extending my return policy claiming more powerful units will be available soon. It's been months.

At this point, anything that gets units out sooner is a good idea.

Maybe Apple could drop the low-end units to build-to-order and start shipping 32 GB / 1 TB models to retailers.
Off topic...but a 16GB MBP is "grossly under spec'd for general document management"? In what world?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)