Lockdowns in China Slow Development of iPhone 14

Apple’s dependency on China is taking effect on the development of the next iPhone. It is behind schedule, as Shanghai moved into the eighth week of a lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19.

Nikkei Asia reported that Apple is pushing suppliers to get back on schedule to avoid a delay in starting production of the iPhone 14, but some complained they face challenges since the government is slow to lift restrictions in the city. iPhone 14 is being developed by contract manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron, with mass production generally starting in late August.

Engineering verification tests need to be completed by end-June to meet the production target, Nikkei Asia wrote, adding one of the four models in the iPhone 14 range is three weeks behind schedule. Earlier this year Pegatron suspended production in its facilities in Shanghai and Kunshan and Foxconn halted work at its factories in Shenzhen due to the restrictions. Apple executives last month warned supply issues in China could reduce revenue in its current fiscal quarter by as much as $8 billion.