iPhone 14 Could Be in Short Supply Upon Launch

Some iPhone 14 models could be in short supply when the new devices launch in just a few weeks, according to reports over the past year.

chinafoxconn
Earlier this year, Nikkei Asia reported that at least one ‌iPhone 14‌ model was three weeks behind schedule due to the impact of lockdowns on Apple's supply chains in China. Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu clarified that the model in question was the ‌iPhone 14‌ Max, Apple's upcoming iPhone that is expected to bring a larger, 6.7-inch display size to its non-Pro line of smartphones.

While the ‌iPhone 14‌ Max is not expected to enter mass production until late August, just weeks before the new ‌iPhone‌ lineup is unveiled at a September Apple event, the ‌iPhone 14‌, ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro, and ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro Max are believed to already be in mass production.

Despite lockdowns in China, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple has not changed the shipping plan for the ‌iPhone 14‌ models. He reiterated that the ‌iPhone 14‌ Max is indeed behind schedule, but the situation is reportedly under control and suppliers are able to work overtime to catch up. Apple told Foxconn to start recruiting workers to assemble iPhone 14 models earlier than usual amid fears that China's lockdowns could lead to short supply or delays later in the year.

The ‌iPhone 14‌ lineup is also facing a component shortage, but Kuo believes there will be a limited impact on mass production of the ‌iPhone 14‌ models since other suppliers can help to make up for supply chain issues. For example, Kuo said Samsung Display and BOE can largely fill the initial supply gap caused by LG Display's issues with the appearance of ‌iPhone 14‌ and ‌iPhone 14‌ Max display panels.

According to DigiTimes, although Apple's semiconductor manufacturing supply chain "remains little affected" by lockdowns in China, other parts of Apple's supply chain may be severely impacted, which could lead to delays with some ‌iPhone 14‌ models.

The ‌iPhone 14‌ lineup is expected to be unveiled at an Apple event on September 7, a date later confirmed by Apple for an event with the tagline "Far out." While some analysts have a positive outlook on the impact of lockdowns and shortages on the availability of the ‌iPhone 14‌ series, only time will tell if some models will be in short supply or face delays upon launch.

Popular Stories

Apple WWDC23 macOS Sonoma hero

macOS Sonoma Launching This Week With These New Features

Sunday September 24, 2023 12:45 pm PDT by
Apple previously announced that macOS Sonoma will be released this Tuesday, September 26. The free software update includes many new features and changes for the Mac, including the five that we have highlighted below. In addition to these five features, we have shared the full release notes for macOS Sonoma below for a complete overview of everything new. Desktop Widgets macOS Sonoma...
iPhone 16 Mock Header With Dynamic Island

Skipping the iPhone 15 Pro? Here's What's Rumored for iPhone 16 Pro

Friday September 22, 2023 9:29 am PDT by
Are you skipping the iPhone 15 Pro and waiting another year to upgrade? If so, we already have some iPhone 16 Pro rumors for you. Below, we recap new features rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models so far:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain...
iPhone 16 Side Feature

iPhone 16 to Include an Additional Capacitive 'Capture' Button

Monday September 25, 2023 12:50 pm PDT by
The iPhone 16 series is expected to gain an additional capacitive button, known internally as the "Capture Button." Codenamed "Project Nova," the button is likely to be one of the main selling points of the iPhone 16 lineup, assuming it gets past the initial testing phase. The Capture Button is located on the same side as the Power button, only positioned slightly lower - where the mmWave cutout...
ipad mini blue

Apple to Launch iPad Mini 7 Later This Year, Industry Report Suggests

Monday September 25, 2023 3:16 am PDT by
Apple could be preparing to release a seventh-generation iPad mini before the end of the year, based on a new report by DigiTimes. In an article discussing stagnating global tablet demand in the second half of 2023, the Taiwan-based outlet forecasts an uptick in Apple's share of the market owing to orders for a "small-size" iPad in the fourth quarter. From the report (see bold): In the...