Coronavirus: Apple weakens in the second quarter and cites an iPhone shortage

Coronavirus makes Apple cough. This Monday, the American giant announced that its forecast of turnover for the second quarter, announced between 63 and 67 billion dollars, would probably not be reached. In question therefore, the epidemic that has hit China for several weeks.

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The tech giant cites two reasons in its press release. On the one hand, the difficulties of supplying iPhone, made in China. On the other hand, demand for its products while its stores are closed in the country. " Work is starting to resume, but the return to normal conditions takes more time than we had anticipated, " details the Californian group, referring to a " shortage of iPhones which will temporarily affect our income in the world ".

Demand only decreases in China

At the end of January, when record results were published thanks to strong demand for the range of iPhone 11 released before the holidays, Apple had already pointed out that the serious health crisis was causing uncertainty. The group had therefore given a range of forecast sales for its second quarter wider than usual, between 63 and 67 billion dollars.

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Since the onset of the disease in December in Wuhan (center), more than 1,800 people have died and more than 70,500 have been infected in China. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva put the impact at 0.1-0.2 points lower for global growth, but said it was still very difficult to assess the impact on the economy.

On the production side, Apple has subcontractors in the Wuhan region, the epicenter of the epidemic, but also alternative suppliers. In terms of demand, the company specifies that it has only decreased in China. " We are in the process of gradually reopening our stores and we will continue to do so as regularly and securely as possible, " said Apple, adding that its offices, call centers and online stores have never stopped function.

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