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According to renowned analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, the iPhone 14 Max is currently about three weeks behind schedule.
Yesterday reported Nikkei Asia reported that at least one iPhone 14 model is three weeks behind schedule due to Apple's supply chains being blocked in China. It was unclear which model exactly. Now Pu has clarified that the model in question is the iPhone 14 Max, Apple's upcoming iPhone that is expected to bring a larger 6.7-inch display to the non-Pro line of smartphones. Pu explained that the delay in the iPhone 14 Max is mainly due to Pegatron halting production during Shanghai's recent lockdowns. The iPhone 14 Max is not expected to go into mass production until late August, just weeks before the new iPhone lineup is unveiled in September.
iPhone 14 series is currently going through the EVT phase
According to Nikkei's sources, all four iPhone 14 models are in the EVT (engineering verification test) phase of development. Typically, all new iPhone models complete the EVT phase and move to the verification phase in late June. After the development phase of new iPhones, Apple's main assembly plants Foxconn and Pegatron enter a phase known as New Product Introduction (NPI), which outlines the manufacturing process for the latest designs. NPI is followed by several final testing processes before mass production begins. According to Pu, the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are still scheduled to enter mass production in early August, weeks before the iPhone 14 Max. It's unclear whether the delay will result in the iPhone 14 Max shipping later than the other iPhone 14 models or whether there is simply a shortage of supply capacity at launch.
Apple fears further delays
Nikkei’s sources suspect that the timeframe still depends on how much the iPhone 14 Max development process can be accelerated. According to reports, Apple instructed suppliers to speed up product development to make up for lost time before the delay impacts the typical production schedule, which in turn could impact the initial production volumes of the iPhone 14 lineup. Earlier this month, it was announced that Apple had instructed Foxconn to hire workers to assemble the iPhone 14 models earlier than usual amid concerns that lockdowns in China could lead to supply shortages or delays later in the year. (Photo by ms_pics_and_more / Bigstockphoto)
