iPhone shortages hitting holiday shoppers during China protests

Many holiday shoppers trying to snap up the most recent Apple iPhone could have to attend until next 12 months due to shortages attributable to violent protests at its primary plant in China.

The protests in Zhengzhou — sparked by low pay on the Taiwan-owned Foxconn plant and China’s draconian COVID lockdown measures — have resulted within the lack of production of nearly six million fewer iPhone Pros, in keeping with experts.

“Apple is basically caught within the cross-fire heading into the all-important Christmas time period,” said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives in a note to clients. “We estimate that Apple now has significant iPhone shortages that might take off roughly at the least 5% of units within the quarter and potentially as much as 10% depending on the following few weeks in China around Foxconn production and protests.”

Production of iPhones could possibly be hampered even further if China’s COVID-19 lockdowns proceed within the weeks ahead, Bloomberg reported, citing a source conversant in the matter. Foxconn’s plant is Apple’s key source for the premium iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models – each of that are hot items this 12 months.

Apple shares fell greater than 2% in trading Monday on the news of the iPhone production shortfall. The corporate’s stock is down about 20% to date this 12 months.

China’s controversial “Covid Zero” policy is already causing “major iPhone 14 Pro shortages” at Apple stores heading into December, Ives said. He added that Apple is “extremely limited of their options for holiday season” because of the production standstill in China.

A source told Bloomberg that Apple and Foxconn expect to make up for the production losses in 2023.

The Post has reached out to Apple for comment on the situation.

Protests against the “Covid Zero” policies implemented by President Xi Jinping have spread throughout the country, with students in Beijing amongst those that took to the streets to demand an end to lockdowns.

The Zhengzhou plant has been a site of continued unrest in recent months, with hundreds of employees fleeing the power last month because of unsafe working conditions. Alternative employees have pushed for higher pay and an end to restrictive quarantine measures.

Last week, stunning footage showed security forces, clad in protective suits and using riot shields, as they violently clamped down on the Foxconn employees.

Apple acknowledged earlier within the month that issues in Zhengzhou would hamper its production goals, though the corporate didn’t provide the scope of the problem.

“The power is currently operating at significantly reduced capability,” Apple said in a press release.

“We proceed to see strong demand for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models.

“Nonetheless, we now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated,” the corporate added.

Many holiday shoppers trying to snap up the most recent Apple iPhone could have to attend until next 12 months due to shortages attributable to violent protests at its primary plant in China.

The protests in Zhengzhou — sparked by low pay on the Taiwan-owned Foxconn plant and China’s draconian COVID lockdown measures — have resulted within the lack of production of nearly six million fewer iPhone Pros, in keeping with experts.

“Apple is basically caught within the cross-fire heading into the all-important Christmas time period,” said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives in a note to clients. “We estimate that Apple now has significant iPhone shortages that might take off roughly at the least 5% of units within the quarter and potentially as much as 10% depending on the following few weeks in China around Foxconn production and protests.”

Production of iPhones could possibly be hampered even further if China’s COVID-19 lockdowns proceed within the weeks ahead, Bloomberg reported, citing a source conversant in the matter. Foxconn’s plant is Apple’s key source for the premium iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models – each of that are hot items this 12 months.

Apple shares fell greater than 2% in trading Monday on the news of the iPhone production shortfall. The corporate’s stock is down about 20% to date this 12 months.

China’s controversial “Covid Zero” policy is already causing “major iPhone 14 Pro shortages” at Apple stores heading into December, Ives said. He added that Apple is “extremely limited of their options for holiday season” because of the production standstill in China.

A source told Bloomberg that Apple and Foxconn expect to make up for the production losses in 2023.

The Post has reached out to Apple for comment on the situation.

Protests against the “Covid Zero” policies implemented by President Xi Jinping have spread throughout the country, with students in Beijing amongst those that took to the streets to demand an end to lockdowns.

The Zhengzhou plant has been a site of continued unrest in recent months, with hundreds of employees fleeing the power last month because of unsafe working conditions. Alternative employees have pushed for higher pay and an end to restrictive quarantine measures.

Last week, stunning footage showed security forces, clad in protective suits and using riot shields, as they violently clamped down on the Foxconn employees.

Apple acknowledged earlier within the month that issues in Zhengzhou would hamper its production goals, though the corporate didn’t provide the scope of the problem.

“The power is currently operating at significantly reduced capability,” Apple said in a press release.

“We proceed to see strong demand for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models.

“Nonetheless, we now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated,” the corporate added.