Apple stopped production of iPhone & iPad, for first time in 10 years

In a surprise and unprecedented move, Apple was forced to cease iPhone and iPad production for several days despite having expectations of the high output, according to reports.

As such, Apple hasn’t been immune to the global supply chain shortages despite its vast purchasing power. The tech giant previously lowered its iPhone 13 production goals for the year and had to cut back on the iPad’s production to allocate more parts for its mobile flagship devices.

The shortage of components has finally hit Apple, ceasing operations at its factories and halting the production of the iPhone for the first time in over a decade during China’s Golden Week.

It comes after the company projects iPhone 13 series production, made public in October. While Apple had earlier expected to produce 90 million new iPhone units in the last three months of the year, the projection cut this number down by as many as 10 million units.

This is the first time since the pandemic that Apple has had a direct impact on the supply chain constraint on the production of its devices. That is because Apple could secure supplies for its units well in advance. As the disruption lingers, a constant supply of components can no longer be maintained.

In addition, the report highlights that this period is usually very productive for Apple in terms of manufacturing. At the same time, the Golden Week holidays in the first week of October typically see Apple’s suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron ramp up production to 24 hours a day. This year, the scenario seems to be the complete opposite of that.

Regarding the workers, the suppliers of Apple gave them time off during the said period instead of giving overtime to workers.