At Least One iPhone 14 Model Three Weeks Behind Schedule Due to China Lockdowns

According to a new report, the development of at least one iPhone 14 model is three weeks behind schedule and in a worst case scenario could impact initial production volumes.

According to sources who spoke to Nikkei Asia, the impact on supply chains was still felt even after the restrictions were loosened.

"It is challenging to make up for the lost time. ... Apple and its suppliers are working around the clock to speed up development," said an executive with an Apple supplier, adding that the pace of reopening in Shanghai is "rather slow."

Apple has reportedly told suppliers to speed up product development efforts to make up for lost time before the delay affects the typical manufacturing schedule, which could impact initial production volumes of the.

Apple is expected to launch four new models this year. The larger size of Apple's flagship devices are a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro and a 6.1-inch iPhone 13 mini.

The model that is being impacted by the delays is not clear. The EVT stage of development is where the four ‌iPhone 14; models are currently located. The EVT is usually completed by the end of June, so new models can move on to the verification stage.

The manufacturing process for the latest designs will be sketched out during the new product introduction phase, which follows the development phase of the new iPhones. mass production usually begins around the end of August after several verification processes.

"If the development process can be sped up and proceed to the next level around the end of June or beginning of July, then it should still be possible to meet the mass production deadline of early September," another person familiar with the matter said. "But it really depends on whether the process can accelerate soon."

There are still restrictions on living and travel in the greater Shanghai area that have hampered production. The operation of the entire supply chain in China has not yet returned to normal, despite the relaxing of restrictions in Shanghai and its neighboring regions.

It would take at least one to two more months for the supply chain to recover from the situation, Chiu said.