One model in Apple’s iPhone 14 lineup was recently reported to be facing delays in production due to a rise of COVID-19 cases in China. While the model facing delays was not specified in the report, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that the production of the iPhone 14 Max, which will be replacing the mini variant in the lineup, is behind schedule. However, Kuo predicts that the lineup is on track for its scheduled release.
Analyst says Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 lineup will be released on schedule
The current situation of increasing lockdowns in China is impacting the development schedule for the upcoming lineup. As of right now, the lineup is in the engineering verification test stages but Ming-Chi Kuo does not think this will have a detrimental impact on the lineup’s timeframe for release.
In a tweet, the analyst reveals that the new iPhone 14 Max variant is facing delays in production since the lockdown in Shanghai. However, he is confident that the situation is under control and that the lineup will get released on time. He further adds that the lineup’s challenges will come from the demand side rather than the supply side.
My latest channel checks suggest that Apple has not changed the shipping plan for the iPhone 14 models since the Shanghai lockdown. iPhone 14 Max is running behind, but it’s still under control currently, and suppliers can work overtime to catch up with the schedule.
I believe iPhone 14’s challenges will come from the demand side instead of the supply side.
In a separate report from today, Bloomberg revealed that Apple is asking suppliers to assemble an estimated 220 million iPhones for this year. However, market forecasts expected the tech giant to produce 240 million units. The report notes that while the COVID-19 situation in China is expected to have some impact on the company’s earnings for this quarter, it is likely Apple will manage to keep it contained.
Based on previous industry reports, we predict that the upcoming lineup will feature a thicker design and a larger rear-camera bump. In addition, the Pro models will be powered by the next-generation A16 Bionic chip and will sport a 48MP rear camera system.
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