Coronavirus has been one of the biggest problems in China in recent times as well It's starting to have a huge impact on the industry. Apple itself has had to close its offices and legal stores to avoid the infection, and all suggest that this closure will continue over time.
We had already heard details suggesting that even iPhone production itself could be affected and now, as reported Nikkei, Chinese authorities have told Foxconn, the world's leading iPhone integrator, that cannot open its factories by February 10th. Product delays may therefore be important.
IPhone factories are closed in China
Foxconn is central to Apple's manufacturing strategy, taking a leading role in the iPhone conference and if you can't make an iPhone, Apple can't sell it, at least for the prices they had planned.
There are many Apple devices that may be affected, the main one being the iPhone 9 that will be launched in March. Its mass production should be early and we understand that Foxconn has played an important role. However, other devices such as the iPad or AirPods will also be affected It wouldn't be a surprise to start seeing stock issues in the Apple Store in a few weeks.
As Ming-Chi Kuo reported today, More than half of the factory workers who met the iPhone in China will not return to work this week to try to prevent the spread of a frightening coronavirus. In fact Foxconn is already on the move and plans to expand iPhone production in other countries like India.
We do not know how much this could affect Apple and its devices, the company said they could be affected by coronavirus, but analysts now think Apple may have lowered expectations.
