The spreading of coronavirus in China has impacted several technology companies given the massive role of China in global manufacturing. The situation has affected numerous hardware firms in Silicon Valley and beyond and it could also compromise Apple’s production line, especially iPhone 9 (aka iPhone SE 2) and AirPods.
According to the new reports, the virus has spread to the Hubei Province (with over 100 confirmed cases), which neighbours the Henan Province and is near the Guangdong Province, both of which hosts major Apple production centres.
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This could impact the production of upcoming iPhone 9 and the AirPods, specifically, by the measures by Chinese authorities to contain the spreading of virus. The government has urged workers to stay home in cities affected by the coronavirus and has already quarantined the entire city of Wuhan from where the virus is believed to have originated.
It is not yet known if the production delay, if that happens, will impact the launch timeline of this upcoming smartphone. The U.S.-based tech giant is expected to start mass-production of the iPhone 9 in February and the phone is expected to go on sale from March. While we don’t see one production facility severely impacting the launch schedule, it could lead to fewer units available during the initial days.
A couple of days ago, Foxconn, which manufactures key products for Apple, said that it will not be adjusting any manufacturing timelines or closing its factories due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The company added that it is monitoring the situation, but it’s not expecting it to affect any of its “manufacturing obligations.” On the other hand, Apple is yet to publicly comment on the coronavirus or how it might affect its operations in China.
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