iPad Production Could Be Hit by Power Outages Before Launch of New Models
iPad assembly plants in China may be impacted by power outages ahead of the launch of new models in the fall, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a tweet earlier today, Kuo commented on the effects of power outages in China's southwestern Sichuan province caused by industrial electricity rationing amid a severe heatwave.
Kuo said that the temporary power outage may affect iPad assembly facilities in Chengdu and Chongqing, operated by Foxconn and Compal. He added that it is "difficult to assess impacts on production currently," but its impact should be limited if the power outage can end on August 20. Flexible production scheduling could mitigate the effects of power outages, but it is not clear how iPad supplies may be hit if power does not return by August 20.
Kuo warned that similar incidents in the coming months could affect shipments of Apple's new devices going into the company's peak season when new products are released. Currently, next-generation iPad Pro models with MagSafe wireless charging capabilities, upgraded cameras, two new connectors, and the M2 chip, as well as the tenth-generation entry-level iPad with a new design and a USB-C port, are expected to be unveiled at an Apple event in October.
Popular Stories
Apple has reportedly abandoned plans for a foldable "iPad Ultra" following years of disappointing sales performance for the iPad Pro.
The claim predominantly comes from the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," who posted the remark in response to a question about whether the iPad would join a rumored "Ultra" series of Apple devices. Instant Digital listed the Apple Watch Ultra, M-series...
China's smartphone shipments fell 4% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from Counterpoint Research, with Apple delivering the strongest growth among the top six brands.
Counterpoint's Market Monitor Tracker attributed the decline primarily to a high base effect from last year's government subsidy program and rising component costs. Counterpoint noted that...
Apple's first foldable iPhone will be eSIM only and feature a Camera Control despite its ultra-thin design, according to a known leaker.
In a series of new posts, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that Apple has made deliberate engineering compromises to ensure that the first foldable iPhone features a Camera Control button, despite it being at least 1.1mm thinner than the iPhone...
