Apple is intending to decrease its reliance on suppliers working in China, a report claims, with the iPhone maker telling some contract manufacturers it wants to expand production outside of the country.
Apple assembly partner Pegatron has advised production at a factory in Shanghai has been impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown, a warning that could harm the manufacturing of iPhones and other products.
Production of laptop computers in China, including the MacBook Pro, is considerably slower now that it was a few months ago 鈥� and not expected to be fully restored before July 2022.
Apple moving orders from lockdown-hit factories and suppliers has led iPhone manufacturer Foxconn to report its highest Q1 net income since 2014.
Apple had to make some major changes to the way it worked with assembly partners during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a greater reliance on Chinese engineers due to travel restrictions preventing most U.S.-based trips.
Foxconn has started a push for workers in manufacturing plants in Zhengzhou, China, typically known for iPhone production weeks ahead of the usual seasonal schedule.
A pair of Foxconn factories in Kunshan, China, have halted operations following a COVID-19 scare, but the Apple assembly partner insists production output won't be affected.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple's previous desire to reduce its reliance on China has become "an action plan" since the country's recent lockdowns.
As China continues its coronavirus zero-tolerance around Shanghai, it's been revealed that lockdowns and transport restrictions have affected 100 major Apple suppliers in the region.
Recent shutdowns at key Apple suppliers present increased risks to the company despite the continued diversification of the iPhone maker's supply chain.
Officials in Zhengzhou, China have implemented lockdowns near Foxconn's primary iPhone manufacturing facilities, a move that may affect supply of Apple devices.
Apple may be able to shift iPhone and MacBook production to circumvent China's coronavirus precautions in the short term, but it can't compensate well if the country goes for a two-month lockdown.
Officials in Zhengzhou, home of Apple's primary iPhone manufacturing base, have mandated Covid testing in areas around Foxconn facilities and adjacent parts of the city.
Apple is preparing to open its Apple Store in Wuhan, China, promoting the upcoming launch with the release of a new wallpaper.
A new Covid-19 outbreak in the Chinese city of Kunshan has resulted in fresh lockdowns and testing mandates, potentially snarling Apple's iPhone and iPad production.
Apple is reportedly concerned about its over-reliance on Japan for iPhone flash memory, and is exploring working with a Chinese supplier.
Apple's Mac Studio and other products may arrive with consumers later than expected, with a COVID lockdown in Shenzhen, China impacting manufacturers and shipments.
A lawsuit brought against Apple by an English council over comments made by Tim Cook about iPhone demand in China has been granted class-action status.
Arms plan for an IPO may already be in trouble before it's even started, as a long-running dispute with its division in China could endanger Softbank's offloading of the chip firm.
Dating app Grindr has been removed from all app stores in the country, and is yet another victim of China's strict new Personal Information Protection Law.
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Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Mike Peterson
