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According to reports, at least one model in the iPhone 14 lineup is weeks behind schedule due to the COVID lockdowns in China. Now Apple is working with suppliers to get back on schedule.
As rumors mount about the features of the upcoming iPhone 14 models, such as a possible always-on display, a new report says that the lineup’s development has been delayed due to China’s coronavirus measures. According to Nikkei Asia At least one of the models is about three weeks behind schedule. All iPhone 14 models are currently in the EVT (Engineering Verification Test) phase, in which Apple works with suppliers to adjust production lines and calculate manufacturing costs. The unexpected closure of key Apple suppliers in Shanghai and the associated impact on traffic in the region have led to this delay. Apple is reportedly working with its suppliers to speed up the process and get back on schedule. An insider told Nikkei:
iPhone 14: September launch is not in danger
Making up for lost time is a challenge. Apple and its suppliers are working around the clock to speed up development.
Normally, all new models complete EVT by the end of June, allowing mass production to be completed by the end of August or possibly early September. It continues:
If the development process can be accelerated and the next stage is reached in late June or early July, then it should still be possible to meet the mass production deadline of early September. But it really depends on whether the process can be accelerated soon.
It is not known which model this is exactly. However, at this point in time, it is not expected that this development delay will lead to a repeat of what happened with the entire iPhone 12 series. As a reminder, the entire product range had to be presented in October instead of September due to delays caused by COVID. (Photo by mmaroznaya / Bigstockphoto)
