The Chinese coronavirus could impact Apple’s sales forecasts, according to insiders.
Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple will ship 10 percent fewer iPhones in the first 2020 quarter, now expected to be between 36-40 million units.
That’s because the Wuhan coronavirus is affecting the supply of iPhone manufacturing.
Separate reports have suggested that the assembly on the new iPhone 9 model has been disrupted.
The company was due to announce the new affordable smartphone, an updated version of the iPhone 8 with improved internals, in March, but delays to manufacturing could cause Apple to hold off on launching the new device.
Others have suggested they will unveil the device in March but that it might not be able to put the device on sale until April or May.
Speaking in a research note for TF International Securities, where Kuo works, he added that smartphone shipments in China declined 60% during the Chinese New Year period, perhaps because of a lack of consumer confidence in the country following news of the coronavirus.
In other news, Apple has closed all of its Apple Stores, contact centers and corporate offices in the country until February 9 at the earliest to protect workers and consumers.
The firm will decide whether to reopen its stores on February 9 closer to that date, though extended closure is expected until the virus is under control, which could take months.
Are you surprised by this news? Do you think Apple should reduce its reliance on China when manufacturing its smartphones? Let us know your thoughts on social media and be sure to check back soon for more news and rumors on iPhone production, every week.
