Apple limits online sales of iPhone as stocks go down
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Apple has placed restrictions on bulk purchases of its iPhones in some Asian territories after the coronavirus outbreak caused interruptions to supply.
Customers in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are limited to buying two devices of the same model per order. While similar limitations are in place in many other regions, customers in those territories are not being notified of the limitations until check-out.
The firm issued a warning to investors last month that the coronavirus outbreak had significantly affected its supply chain, stating that it may not meet its quarterly revenue expectations. Apple shut down all of its retail stores outside China 10 days ago, including 52 outlets in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Apple suffered a 61-per-cent year-on-year drop in iPhone sales last month, at a time when Chinese factories were largely closed. Many have since reopened as demand for iPhones drops globally with the spread of social distancing and closed retail outlets.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific regions are facing bulk purchase restrictions for iPhones?
Which specific regions are facing bulk purchase restrictions for iPhones?
Customers in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are limited to buying two devices of the same model per order. Similar restrictions are in place elsewhere but are only notified at check-out.
Q.How has Apple's financial outlook been affected by the coronavirus outbreak?
How has Apple's financial outlook been affected by the coronavirus outbreak?
The firm warned investors last month that the outbreak significantly affected its supply chain. Consequently, Apple stated it might not meet its quarterly revenue expectations, indicating financial strain.
Q.What impact did the closure of Chinese factories have on Apple's iPhone sales?
What impact did the closure of Chinese factories have on Apple's iPhone sales?
Apple experienced a 61-per-cent year-on-year drop in iPhone sales last month while Chinese factories were largely closed. Many factories have since reopened, but global demand is falling.
Q.When did Apple close its retail stores, and which regions were affected?
When did Apple close its retail stores, and which regions were affected?
Apple shut down all its retail stores outside China ten days ago. This included 52 outlets across Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, in response to the coronavirus spread.
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