Apple has made the decision to halt its rumored March event over coronavirus concerns.
The company was expected to announce a new low-cost iPhone, known as the iPhone SE 2 or the iPhone 9, alongside a new iPad Pro with triple-lens cameras, and AirTags, the firm’s Tile-like tracking devices, but these launches have been put on hold for the time being.
Apple executives became “concerned” about the idea of bringing journalists, developers, and insiders together at Apple Park, and though a March 31 event was all-but-confirmed, it has now been called off, with the firm now expected to release the products later in the year.
Yesterday, all doubt over March’s event was confirmed, as Santa Clara County, the home of Apple Park, canceled all public events over 1,000 people, running from March 11 to April 1, so the company wouldn’t be allowed to have hosted an event, even if it wanted to do so.
According to a report from Cult of Mac, Apple reportedly faced “delays in producing two primary products” set to be unveiled, presumably because of the coronavirus, so perhaps a forced cancelation was a blessing in disguise until the company can meet expected demand.
Last month, some of Apple’s biggest suppliers were forced to shut up shop due to the coronavirus, with the vast majority of Apple products manufactured in the US.
Though some factories are now back up and running, travel restrictions and staff in quarantine have led to them performing at less-than-usual capacity. As a result, Apple’s supply chain is suffering.
It’s unknown whether Apple will announce these new products later in the year, perhaps at WWDC, or whether the company will launch them online with little fanfare. However, with doubt cast over WWDC 2020, Apple may be forced into a digital-only presentation this year.
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