The Impact COVID-19 Is Having On The New Smartphone Generation

Across the globe, people stand in line to purchase new Apple devices at launch. The resale of these devices is high, which means purchasing them early can be lucrative. Apple makes highly hyped tech that attracts a lot of attention and interest. Since Australia gets access to these devices first, people that purchase new devices are often the topic of conversation.

An iOS software developer, Mr. Kourouche, says that many people actually travel overseas so that they can purchase new iPhones when they launch in Australia. Because of its time zone, Apple retailers in this nation open first when new devices launch.

However, that could change this year. Many retailers have closed their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Apple is among them. Right now, it’s difficult to determine whether shops will be open again when new devices launch this fall.

Currently, it’s hard to predict if shops will be able to reopen this fall, when new devices are scheduled to launch.

In many regions, the future doesn’t look bright. The UK government has stated that non-essential shops may not open for another three to six months. This means that shops wouldn’t be open when the next iPhone launches.

It doesn’t look positive in a number of countries. Government officials in the UK have stated that things may not go back to normal for anywhere from three to six months. This means that non-essential shops may not be open again in time for the launch.

The iPhone 12 is ready for Apple to launch. This is Apple’s first device that will utilise 5G tech, which makes this product especially significant. It will be able to take full advantage of new, speedier phone networks. According to Nikkei, a publication in Japan, Apple is trying to decide whether the product launch should be delayed. This may also be the case for products made by Apple’s main rivals, like Samsung and other devices that utilise the Android OS.

According to Razat Gaurav, who is the chief executive of supply chain analytics company Llamasoft, somewhere around 70{1e9610a02c0f2f33a49776a6f3a4cdb5337e34789fd8a9ca89ecccf97f2bcf28} of all smartphones are made in China. Since this is where the pandemic began, it’s possible that the supply chain for existing devices was disrupted.

A number of smartphone companies are dependent on parts produced in South Korea and China, regions that were impacted heavily by the pandemic. The majority of COVID-19 cases in South Korea are in Daegu, which is just 20 minutes from the areas where most of these parts are manufactured.

A partner at consultancy BearingPoint, Emile Naus, has stated that the software is more essential to the device than its hardware. While software can be developed remotely, testing may be difficult. Many brands may not be willing to proceed with remote testing.

Security in this industry can be quite strict. Major companies may not be comfortable allowing workers to bring home prototypes and test them. This process is hugely highly secretive, and remote testing gives companies less control. Shipping could also pose a problem. Flights have been suspended by a number of airlines, and ocean freights have been delayed. This means that assembly plants may not receive the components and other materials they need. Furthermore, it could keep completed products from reaching retailers where they are to be sold as handheld devices and business mobile contracts.

In spite of that, many experts do not believe brands will make significant changes to the cost of new products. However, it is possible that companies will slash prices on older models and increase the number of entry-level products on the market. Prices might not be reduced, but if there is not sufficient demand, there are methods brands could be used to boost sales.