China’s zero-COVID policy is certainly one of the strictest public health policies in the world. The approach is relatively aggressive as strict city-wide lockdowns may happen without early notice alongside frequent mass testing. In fact, thousands of Shanghai Disneyland visitors were trapped in the park earlier this month as the authorities decided to abruptly lock down the park. They were only allowed to leave the theme park only if their COVID test showed a negative result. As for Zhengzhou’s iPhone plant which is operated by Foxconn, reports regarding the restriction begin to pop up days before Apple’s official announcement. In late October, Reuters noted that factory workers have been climbing the fences in order to escape the massive facility which employs around 200,000 people. [Image: Apple.]In another report, Reuters’ sources also said that the production of iPhones could be reduced by as much as 30%. That being said, Foxconn has apparently begun to counter the shortage using another production plant in Shenzhen. Meanwhile, Apple has pointed out in its announcement that the demand for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max remained strong. However, customers will be experiencing longer wait times given the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions at Zhengzhou’s production facility. A quick check on Apple Malaysia’s website this morning showed that it currently takes around four to five weeks for either of these models to be shipped to Kuala Lumpur if you order them today. While delivery times may vary from one location to another as well as your preferred platform and retailers, you may want to act now especially if you are planning to obtain iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max as a Christmas gift.
