"Apple: iPhone shipments delayed over China Covid lockdown" 7 November 2022

Apple has warned shoppers to expect delays in receiving its products after a strict Covid lockdown forced the world's largest iPhone factory to shut.

The tech giant said its assembly plant in Zhengzhou, China is now operating at a significantly reduced capacity.

Officials locked down the district that is home to the factory, run by Foxconn, on 2 November for seven days.

It comes as China continues to target "zero Covid", using lockdowns to tackle even minor outbreaks.

"As we have done throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prioritising the health and safety of the workers in our supply chain," said a statement from Apple, which launched its new iPhone line in September.

"We continue to see strong demand for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models. However, we now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated and customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products." [...]

Cases were also detected inside the factory, prompting a sudden shutdown that led to workers fleeing the premises. On Monday, the company started a recruitment drive at its Zhengzhou plant. It is offering workers who left the plant between 10 October and 5 November a one-time bonus of 500 yuan ($69; £60.88) if they return to work. [...]