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Apple is struggling to get a steady supply of key power management chips for iPhones and other devices, with the shortfall coming ahead of the lucrative holiday shopping season.
Citing sources familiar with the subject, Bloomberg reports that the shortage is largely due to trade restrictions and supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
It’s unclear how the parts shortfall will affect Apple as the company moves into what is typically its busiest quarter of the year.
The report did not specify which of Apple’s power chip suppliers is experiencing limitations, although most produce parts for other companies. A recent teardown by iFixit revealed silicon from Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, and Qualcomm Inc., as well as a part designed by Apple.
Sources say parts makers are likely to prioritize orders from the Cupertino tech giant, a safe bet considering Apple’s market power.
Apple went to the extreme of creating special hardware and software features for the iPhone 12 in an attempt to alleviate the inevitable drain on the 5G battery. The new “Smart Data Mode”, for example, automatically toggles cellular connectivity between 5G and slower, but less demanding LTE networks, depending on network speed and device usage.
Apple released the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro in October, and the demand for pre-orders quickly outstripped the introductory supply. The company should begin accepting orders for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max on Friday.
The report does not clarify which other devices are affected by the chip shortage.
