Apple Is Warning About A Lower-Than-Expected Shipment Of iPhone 14 Pro Models, Citing Covid-19 Restrictions As The Cause

Apple said in a press release Sunday that it expects fewer iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max units to be shipped as the world's most valuable technology company struggles with the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in China. The company said it still sees a lot of demand for the pro models of the new iPhone 14 lineup, but the lockdown restrictions have led it to lower its shipment estimates.

Apple is betting big on the holiday season as the company like many others prepares for it. “Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, we have always prioritized the safety and health of workers in our supply chain,” said Apple in a blog post. Apple and other businesses have struggled to keep their products flowing as a worldwide supply chain disruption has lasted two years and counting.

It is uncommon for Apple to announce such shipments on Sunday through a press release. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on the company's most recent earnings call last month that the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max were in short supply since their release.

Cook also mentioned that his company was “constrained” in providing the devices. “We are still constrained presently, and we’re working diligently to fulfill the demand,” he said. Foxconn produces four out of five of the present generation of iPhones, in accordance with Bloomberg’s estimates.

We are working closely with our supplier to return to normal production levels while ensuring the safety and wellness of each worker,” the company said Sunday. China doubled down on a similar restriction in the same region last month by imposing a seven-day lockdown on the area surrounding Foxconn’s flagship plant in Zhengzhou this month.