Apple says iPhone supplies hurt by anti-virus curbs in China

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. anticipate / ænˈtɪs əˌpeɪt / (v.) – to expect something to happen
    Example:

    I didn’t anticipate that I would receive a lot of gifts on my birthday.


  2. spate / speɪt / (n.) – a large number of similar events happening at the same time
    Example:

    The police have received a spate of online scam-related reports this month.


  3. exodus / ˈɛk sə dəs / (n.) – a situation in which a lot of people leave a place at the same time
    Example:

    Low salary has led to the exodus of local workers to other countries.


  4. concerted / kənˈsɜr tɪd / (adj.) – planned or done by several groups or people working together
    Example:

    Environmental organizations take concerted action to promote the zero-waste campaign.


  5. ramp up (something) / ræmp ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to increase business activity, such as the speed, size, production, etc.
    Example:

    The toy factory is ramping up production to meet the demand for the Christmas season.


Article

Read the text below.

Apple Inc. is warning customers they’ll have to wait longer to get its latest iPhone models after anti-virus restrictions were imposed on a contractor’s factory in central China.


The company announcement gave no details but said the factory operated by Foxconn in the central city of Zhengzhou is “operating at significantly reduced capacity.”


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


Foxconn Technology Group said it imposed anti-virus measures on the factory in Zhengzhou following virus outbreaks. Apple and Foxconn previously hadn’t responded to questions about how iPhone production might be affected.


Access to the industrial zone where the factory is located was suspended for one week following a surge in infections in Zhengzhou and the departure of workers from the factory.


The lockdown is expected to cause further disruptions to the plant, which in recent weeks has seen a spate of coronavirus infections and an exodus of workers, some of whom fled the factory on foot.


Foxconn said in a statement that it is revising its outlook for this quarter downward due to the lockdown.


“Foxconn is now working with the government in a concerted effort to stamp out the pandemic and resume production to its full capacity as quickly as possible,” the company said.


It also said that the provincial government has said it will “fully support” Foxconn in managing the plant’s pandemic prevention and operation situation.


In a post on the Zhengzhou plant’s WeChat social media account, the company said a “closed loop” system would restrict its employees’ travel between their dormitories and the factory area to manage risks of COVID-19 transmission.


The last quarter of the year is typically a busy season for companies like Foxconn as they ramp up production ahead of the end-of-year holiday rush.


“We are working closely with our supplier to return to normal production levels while ensuring the health and safety of every worker,” Apple said.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Foxconn is working with the government to stamp out the pandemic and be able to resume production to its full capacity. Do you think businesses in your country are as cooperative as Foxconn in helping the government keep the pandemic under control? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Why do you think a lot of workers left the factory amid the spread of the coronavirus? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think the delay in releasing the new iPhone models would have a big impact on the brand? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • If you’re one of those buying the latest iPhone models, would you be willing to wait, or would you instead buy a smartphone from another brand? Why? Discuss.