Apple chip supplier insists coronavirus won’t affect production

By

A10 Fusion
Apple isn't out of the woods yet, though.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s primary mobile chip supplier insists the coronavirus epidemic will not affect production.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) this week said it is on track to deliver orders as usual, according to one report. But Apple certainly isn’t out of woods yet.

The coronavirus outbreak, which originated in China, is having a growing impact on local businesses. It has also forced some U.S. firms, including Apple and Google, to close stores and offices.

The World Health Organization has now declared coronavirus a global health emergency as it continues to spread its reach. But one Apple supplier has assured investors that it’s business as usual.

TSMC production on track

“Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and United Microelectronics (UMC) have both said that production at their fabs in China stays on track and has not been affected by the coronavirus outbreak,” reads a report from Digitimes.

Unless anything changes — and it could — this means Apple should receive A-series chip orders on time, and that’s reassuring for fans and investors. But of course, Apple manufacturing could be impacted in other areas.

The report goes on to warn that coronavirus is “likely to complicate” the global supply of display panels for all kinds of devices. Wuhan, which is currently in lockdown, is a major production base for a number of display-makers.

Reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also told investors this week that Apple could be impacted by shipment delays if coronavirus is not contained before March.

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