Replacement iPhones for severely damaged devices are expected to face supply shortages of four to six weeks. Apple Store employees have learned that they can mail replacement iPhones to customers and provide lending devices to reduce wait times.
Apple did not provide employees with specifics on the cause of the shortage, but supply constraints could be related to production delays caused by the coronavirus. Retail employees also told Bloomberg that some stores are aware of a shortage of individual components for equipment repairs.
In February, apple suppliers such as Foxconn and Pegatron were forced to close two or more last week at the height of China’s coronavirus outbreak. The plant is back up and running at this time, but production has not yet reached normal levels due to labor shortages, travel restrictions and other factors. Foxconn, Apple’s main iPhone maker, expects its plant in China to resume operations by the end of March. Delays began to affect some product lines, with supply shortages for Macs, Mac Pros and iPad Pros produced on orders, and the price of new devices expected to be available early this year is expected to be seen.
