Apple’s MacBook Pro Shipments Still Impacted by China Lockdowns

Shipments of the MacBook Pro are still being heavily affected by lockdowns in China. Apple supplier Quanta continues to face manufacturing challenges despite lockdowns in Shanghai being lifted, according to DigiTimes (via MacRumors.)

According to the supply chain website’s report, Quanta is only working at around 30 percent capacity at its Shanghai plant. Production continues to be heavily impacted while lockdowns have lifted earlier last month. However, the company is looking to restore up to 50 percent of its production capacity.

“Quanta is the sole assembler of Apple’s 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros and the machines are primarily made at the ODM’s Shanghai plant. Quanta vice chairman CC Leung on April 30 pointed out that the company’s Shanghai plant has restored around 30% of its capacity and is eyeing to raise the percentage to 50% gradually.”

Although plans are in motion to scale up manufacturing, the report claims downstream assemblers still face insufficient supplies of components.

The shipment times on Apple’s MacBook products have been heavily impacted due to the pandemic. Chip shortages, supply shortages, and shipments have all played a role in customers getting their hands on a new Mac product.

When navigating to the Apple website, wait times on various Macs and MacBooks are in the range of a couple of months. The 14-inch MacBook Pro Space Gray with an M1 Max chip currently has an estimated wait time of July 7 to July 21. The 16-inch are incrementally better but not by much. Wait times for both the M1 Pro and M1 Max models are June 30 to July 15.

However, it’s the MacBook Pro that is being affected the most. Attempting to obtain the MacBook Air is much easier as it appears as though Apple has an assortment of models and SKUs readily available both in-store and for delivery.

There is still no finish line in sight of when supply chain issues will be solved, making it easier to purchase and obtain a MacBook Pro. DigiTimes states Apple has switched product transportation to air travel, shortening shipment schedules. However, only a limited number of shipments have seen the transition, which is causing said interruptions.