Apple is preparing a strategy to transfer production from China

Apple is one of the largest companies using factories in China to manufacture its products. However, the American giant is looking to diversify its supply chain even more, given the global situation in China, both in terms of public health and government policy.

The production of the top models of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max has been hit hard by problems at the factories in connection with the measures of the Chinese authorities to combat Covid-19.

Protests are raging in China the likes of which have not been seen in more than 30 years. The zero tolerance policy in the context of the pandemic has caused serious discontent and upheaval in society.

These demonstrations, protests and clashes with the authorities spilled over into factories and the market in general. Beijing, after tightening measures, has already shown that it may have to change its policy regarding the fight against the pandemic.

Apple begins to look to the future outside of China

In recent weeks, Apple has accelerated plans to move some of its production out of China, the dominant country in the supply chain that has created the most valuable company in the world, according to information from people involved in these processes.

The Cupertino-based company has begun asking its suppliers to more actively plan to assemble Apple products in other Asian countries, especially India and Vietnam.

according to InformationApple wants to reduce dependence on Taiwanese factories led by the Foxconn Technology group.

Riots in a place called iPhone City spurred Apple's move. In the giant city of Zhengzhou, China, about 300,000 workers work at Foxconn's iPhone and other Apple products factory.

At one point, the device accounted for 85% of the iPhone Pro lineup, according to analytics firm Counterpoint Research.

The Zhengzhou plant was the scene of violent protests last November. As we can see in the video above, the workers complained about harassment by the authorities to implement a zero tolerance measure to combat the pandemic.

After a year of events that have undermined China's status as a stable manufacturing hub, the unrest means Apple is no longer comfortable with so much of its business tied up in one place, analysts say.

iPhone 14 Pro sales may suffer due to low production

Apple released the iPhone 14 and its sales continued to have a big impact, even breaking records during a volatile time in the smartphone market.

According to Ming-Chi KuoApple's market analyst said fourth-quarter iPhone shipments were about 10 million units below market forecasts made before the Zhengzhou protests.

The high-end iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models were particularly hard hit, according to the analyst.

There were protests in Beijing last week against the strict measures against Covid.

Apple and China have enjoyed a relationship for decades that has so far been mostly mutually beneficial. Change won't happen overnight. Apple continues to release new iPhone models every year and also constantly upgrades its iPads, laptops, and other products.

Basically, Tim Cook will have to keep flying the plane by changing the engine.

So if current events warrant thought, Kuo says the Cupertino-based company's goal would be to move 40% to 45% of its iPhone production from China to India. In addition, Vietnam will be able to increase production of other Apple products such as AirPods, Apple Watch and Macbook.

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