Apple Reportedly Facing Power Chip Shortages for iPhone 12

Apple is reportedly facing a severe shortage of vital power chips for its iPhone 12 and other devices. The chips in question provide power consumption within the device. The shortage may complicate Apple’s ability to meet holiday demand.

Bloomberg is reporting that sources have said Apple has begun to face shortages. Those familiar with the matter have noted that 5G devices consume 30-40 percent more chip content when compared to 4G devices. Seeing as though the iPhone 12 family of devices utilize 5G networking, having access to power management chips is incredibly important. Additionally, the iPhone 12 features additional camera features, requiring additional power management.

The shortage is all apart of the disruptions supply chains have experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Bloomberg has also noted that supply chain customers have also stocked up on components during the pandemic over the fear of running out.

Discovered through a recent teardown by iFixit, Apple is leaning on numerous power-management chip suppliers. The iPhone 12 Pro, for instance, uses a chip from Texas Instruments for its camera system. The phone also uses a chip from STMicroelectronics and Qualcomm for 5G. This is in addition to Apple’s designed chip for power management.

It’s hard to gauge how Apple’s holiday season will pan out. Strong demand for the iPhone 12 Pro has already forced Apple to increase LiDAR scanner chip orders. Although the iPhone 12 Pro has already released, the delivery of ordered devices have slipped into November in Canada. Apple still has the release of the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max on the horizon. As all four iPhone 12 models will be available to purchase as of November 13th, component shortages may become a larger issue this holiday.

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