Coronavirus Is Affecting Apple, Samsung And Others

A security guard checks the temperature of customers at the entrance of an Apple store in Shanghai on February 28, 2020. – China reported 44 more deaths from the novel coronavirus epidemic on February 28 and 327 fresh cases, the lowest daily figure for new infections in more than a month. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images) AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Tech companies are responding to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by limiting travel, cancelling major events and fighting growing misinformation on their platforms. 

If you’re in the market for new devices, then you may experience delays in shipping as factories in China temporarily close – or run a limited operation – to combat the virus. Similarly tech companies are cancelling launch events which may change release dates of devices.

Here’s how the tech industry has been affected by COVID-19. For the last information about COVID-19, visit the World Health Organisation’s website for up-to-date advice and news. 

Samsung

• Samsung is temporarily shifting its smartphone production operation from South Korea to Vietnam after a worker tested positive for COVID-19 in a factory in Gumi, South Korea, which produces some of its latest Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip devices. 

• The latest S20 models, Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Z Flip appear to be readily available on Samsung’s website with no notice of delay.  

• Samsung is staying tight lipped about any production issues it might be facing for its latest devices, simply telling me “we are making our best effort to minimize impact on our operations”.

Apple

• Update 07/03: Two of Apple’s major upcoming devices could face delays because of COVID-19. Bank of America – speaking with an expert on the company’s supply chain – has claimed that Apple’s 5G iPhone and its iPhone SE2 could be delayed by “months” because of the temporary shut down of factories in China.

Read more: https://www.forbes.com