In spite of Apple’s working to get its suppliers back online, the company has reportedly warned retail employees and technical support staff that replacement iPhones are in short supply, one of the first consumer-facing signs that COVID-19 is impacting the company’s supply chain.
Genius Bar staff on Wednesday were notified that supplies of some replacement iPhones may be tight over the next two to four weeks. Certain unnamed Apple Store locations are now facing shortages of individual replacement part, according to an internal memo sent around. The memo also advised Genius Bar staff to offer to mail replacement devices to customers and provide “loaner” iPhones in the meantime.
Additional sources stated that while part shortages are possible, they aren’t likely to surface until the end of April at the earliest. Spot-checks have also shown that there is at least six weeks of service iPhone stock in three major metropolitan areas.
During the early stages of the outbreak, Apple was also forced to temporarily shutter all 42 of its Apple Store locations in China. While the company is rapidly reopening those locations, some Apple Stores in Italy are also seeing temporary closures.
Apple has restricted travel to China to “business-critical” operations, and on Tuesday, implemented identical restrictions on travel to Italy and South Korea as well.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider