The Coronavirus pandemic has already caused Apple to lower its earnings targets for the quarter, with production expected to take some time to get back on track.
Now, the latest reports show how the virus could affect Apple and its customers even further.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has warned its retails employees that replacement iPhones could be in short supply for two to four weeks. Not just iPhones, but replacement parts too. This means anyone hitting up an Apple Store for repairs or replacements over the next month or so could be out of luck, or have to wait longer than usual for results.
These shortages are all down to Apple’s manufacturing plants in China being shut down amidst Coronavirus fears. Production is ramping back up, but it could be a slow process as the company tries to put its workers’ health and safety first.
Even Apple’s worldwide developer conference (WWDC) in June could be at risk, as new guidance from the Santa Clara health department suggests postponing or canceling “mass gatherings and large community events.” WWDC takes place in and around San Francisco and is typically where Apple shows off its upcoming software updates, including iOS 14.
“We understand that people are very concerned about COVID-19. I want to remind the public that the vast majority of people who become infected with COVID-19 do not become seriously ill, and fully recover. We are making these recommendations to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from the virus, and slow its spread,” said Dr. Sara Cody, County Public Health Officer. “We are continuously monitoring this evolving situation, and will issue new guidance if and when that is warranted.”
Apple was also widely expected to release a new budget iPhone this month, though without official word from Apple it’s hard to know if this too will be affected. Coronavirus has already pulled the plug on a series of events around the world – it looks as though even the biggest companies in the world aren’t exempt from its reach.