Apple said earlier this November that demand for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models remains strong. However, due to declining supply chain capacity, shipments of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are expected to be lower than previously expected, and customers will be waiting longer to receive the new products. Now, the delays appear to be getting worse.
At Apple’s U.S. online store, the estimated shipping time for iPhone 14 Pro devices is currently around 6 weeks, and all iPhone 14 Pro models can only be ordered for delivery now starting December 27th, making it impossible for many customers who want to buy a gift to do so before Christmas. The iPhone 14 Pro national version can be purchased now and will also take 5-6 weeks to ship.
The delayed delivery confirms analysts’ expectations that Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro models will fall short of earlier shipment estimates because of supply disruptions at Foxconn’s main iPhone factory, which assembles the devices.
According to investment firm Morgan Stanley, the Foxconn iPhone plant is expected to ship 79 million units in the quarter, down from an earlier estimate of 85 million phones.
In a note, the analysts wrote: “Wait times for iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max have been extended to four to five weeks, compared to two to four weeks a month ago, meaning demand remains solid, even with supply gaps.”
Looking ahead, Morgan Stanley predicts higher-than-usual production in the first few months of 2023 to cover the gaping demand. Meanwhile, Foxconn iPhone factories are resuming production operations.
