iPhone 14 Launch Could Be Delayed Attributable to China-Taiwan Stress, Suggests Report

iPhone 14 shipments may get delayed doubtlessly inflicting postponement of the September launch occasion as China has reportedly began strictly imposing a rule that Taiwanese-made components should be labelled accurately. Beneath this coverage, Chinese language officers can delay and even reject shipments. The strictness follows US Home of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a congressional delegation’s go to to Taiwan. It’s to be famous that Apple outsources the chip manufacturing to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm Restricted (TSMC) and China is an important hub on the subject of worldwide iPhone shipments. The information comes as Apple prepares for the launch occasion in September.

Not too long ago, Apple instructed its suppliers that China had began imposing a long-standing rule below which Taiwanese-made components and parts should be labelled as made both in “Taiwan, China” or “Chinese language Taipei”. A Nikkei report says that any cargo with the phrase “Made in Taiwan” violates this rule and it might be held in addition to checked by Chinese language customs. A high quality of as much as CNY 4,000 (roughly Rs. 47,000) could also be imposed for violating the rule and it might be potential that the cargo could also be rejected – finally inflicting the delay in iPhone shipments.

A delay in iPhone 14 shipments could drive Apple to postpone the reported keynote for the September occasion which is able to primarily see the launch of subsequent era of iPhone fashions. As per the Nikkei report, one of many shipments from Taiwan to one among iPhone assembler Pegatron’s services in China have been held for overview final week to see whether or not the import declaration has been made in keeping with China’s guidelines. China is reportedly displeased with the US officers’ diplomatic go to to Taiwan.

Apple, together with different OEMs, have already suffered cargo delays on account of element scarcity attributable to COVID-19 lockdowns in China after which by Ukraine-Russia pressure. With a view to keep away from additional disruptions, Apple has additionally instructed its suppliers to make a contingency plan to keep away from additional provide chain disruptions, as per the report. Not too long ago, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the iPhone 14 fashions may even be made in India concurrently with China as a result of the Cupertino-based firm seemingly desires to scale back its dependence on the Chinese language provide chain within the wake of geopolitical points.

In the meantime, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims that Apple is gearing up for its September iPhone launch occasion. “Apple has began to report and assemble its September media occasion, which is more likely to happen within the first half of the month (as standard),” Gurman mentioned in his newsletter. He additionally mentioned that Apple will in all probability maintain two occasions within the fall: the September launch and an October occasion for the brand new iPads and Macs.