Warning for iPhone fans as major delays flagged by Apple

Those trying to get their hands on the latest Apple tech will face significant delays due to one thing.

Covid restrictions have ‘temporarily impacted’ production at Foxconn's vast iPhone factory in central China, after a surge in cases led the Taiwanese tech giant to lock down the world's largest manufacturer of new devices. Picture: Brittany Hosea-Small / AFP

Those hoping to get a new iPhone for Christmas will likely be left disappointed as Apple reveals it is experiencing production disruptions.

Tightening Covid-19 restrictions are impacting output at Apple‘s main assembling facility in Zhengzhou, China.

Tightening Covid-19 restrictions are impacting output at Apple’s main assembling facility in Zhengzhou, China. Picture: AFP

“The facility is currently operating at significantly reduced capacity,” the tech giant said in a statement.

“Customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products.”

The world’s largest iPhone factory, owned by Foxconn, was locked down for a week on November 2, setting back production of the tech product.

Apple said on Sunday output at an iPhone 14 Pro assembly plant in Zhengzhou, China has been hit hard by Covid-19 restrictions, which will delay shipments. Picture: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images North America / AFP

“We continue to see strong demand for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models.

“However, we now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated and customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products,” Apple said.

The wait time for a new iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 max is currently four-five weeks, according to Apple‘s website, with click-and-collect options unavailable for most stores.

Taiwanese electronics giant and iPhone manufacturer Foxconn warned its last quarter earnings this year would take a hit from the coronavirus lockdowns affecting its assembly lines in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou. Picture: Sam Yeh / AFP

China is taking a “dynamic-clearing” approach to kerb rising Covid-19 case numbers, with restrictions including lockdowns, quarantining and rigorous testing.

The country is reporting higher numbers of new infections, with a significant portion of those in Zhengzhou, where major plants are located.

China recorded its highest daily tally of new cases in six months on Sunday, with 5,643 new infections.