According to a new report, Apple is gearing up for its next iPhone launch this fall, but the monthlong Covid lockdowns in China could delay “at least one” of the upcoming models.
Nikkei Asia reports that the development of at least one of Apple’s new flagship iPhones for this year has fallen behind schedule due to Covid-19 shutdowns in China. Even if Apple announces its new iPhone 14 lineup in September, as it usually does, some of the models might be available to buy in September.
The report says Apple told suppliers to try and make up for a lost time. Still, a worst-case scenario “could impact the new phones’ manufacturing schedule and initial production volumes. It’s not clear which model in the upcoming iPhone 14 may be impacted by the delay – the report just says “at least one” of Apple’s iPhone 14 models. Specifically, delays are said to be due to the engineering verification test (EVT). This is when suppliers finalise all the parts and the processes needed to begin production. The delays have been caused by constant shutdowns in China at major Apple manufacturing sites, given the country’s zero Covid-19 policy.
This year, Apple plans four new models, including two models in the “Pro” series, the standard iPhone 14, and a new 6.7-inch Max model that replaces the 5.4-inch variation. The all-new model gets a hole-punch display, no screen notch and a new processor. Apple may add upgraded cameras to the iPhone 14 series, including new high-end camera lenses for the front cameras. LG Innotek is reported to offer selfie cameras for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the iPhone 14 Pro and ProMax models will add a new 48-megapixel wide camera from the previous model’s 12-megapixel.