As more and more positive cases of Coronavirus are reported in countries outside of China, smartphone manufacturers are facing increasing issues with parts supply for their upcoming devices. Specifically, Apple’s iPhone is finding it very difficult to ramp up its production as supply chains continue to be hit with the Coronavirus outbreak.
The latest news for supply chain hits for Apple involve parts related to the camera on the iPhone. Genius Electronic Optical, who is a supplier of lens for the iPhones camera has reported extremely low production output over the last month. Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted about a months worth of lens inventory left for the phones production, with production ramping up only in May at the earliest.
Along with this, LG Innotek’s factory in South Korea has also reportedly shut down as one of its workers tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday. The plant in known for supplying camera modules for Apple and now, it will remain shutdown until disinfection of the factory is conducted.
Apple is not the only smartphone company that is affected by Coronavirus. Samsung mobile device factory in Gumi, South Korea was also shutdown on Sunday after an employee tested positive for the virus on Saturday. Samsung has stated that the factory is undergoing disinfection and will likely reopen back on Tuesday afternoon.