Apple forced to delay some iPad and Mac production as global chip shortage continues
Apple is reportedly being forced to delay some of its iPad and MacBook production as a result of the global chip shortage, which is forcing many manufactures to slow the production of TVs, gaming consoles, electric vehicles, and more because of a lack of semiconductors.
According to a new report by Nikkei Asia, Apple has pushed back a portion of component orders for iPads and MacBooks it had from the first half of this year to the second half, with the shortages affecting printed circuit boards before final assembly for the Mac, and a shortage of displays and display components for the iPad.
So far, Apple has been able to withstand the global chip shortage thanks to its buying power, spending a reported $58bn annually on semiconductors.
Nikkei reports that despite the delays to iPad and Mac production, production plans for the iPhone have not yet been affected. Apple supplier TSMC will reportedly begin A15 chip production for the iPhone 13 at the end of May ahead of schedule as Apple and its partners work to avoid a repeat of last year’s delayed iPhone release.