Apple's key manufacturing partner, Foxconn Technologies Group, has told investors that it will be able to begin production of new 5G-enabled iPhones this fall. The question of the company's ability to start assembling new iPhones arose due to the unstable situation caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Foxconn, the world's largest iPhone maker, told investors about the difficulties that arose due to travel cancellations and work schedule changes related to the coronavirus pandemic, according to online sources. However, Foxconn's head of investor relations, Alex Yang, said the company could meet the deadline, despite the fact that there is not much time left before the launch of the first experimental assembly lines.
Foxconn continues to grapple with the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak in China, which has disrupted supply chains and shut down production facilities. The company made up for a workforce shortage and resumed normal operations, but a long downtime in March casts doubt on the ability to launch new iPhone models as originally planned.
“We and the customer's engineers are trying to catch up after the ban on foreign travel was introduced [for Apple employees - ed.]. There is a possibility and a possibility that we can catch up. If there are further delays over the next few weeks or even months, it may be necessary to reconsider the launch time,” said Mr. Yang, commenting on the current situation.
The coronavirus pandemic has jeopardized Apple's plans. Mass production of devices is only one side of the business. Apple works with hundreds of suppliers around the world, and it takes months to procure individual components. The introduction of quarantines in different regions is having a devastating effect on Apple's supply chains, which may affect the timing of the launch of new iPhones. Under normal conditions, trial assembly of new devices begins in June, and mass production starts in August. Therefore, Apple and Foxconn do not have much time left.
Source: 3dnews.ru