For the unversed, the iPhone 14 Plus is the latest addition to Apple’s iPhone 14 series, which was launched on September 7, 2022. The smartphone was meant to replace the ‘mini’ series that was launched with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series, as it could not find any buyers. Further, the iPhone 14 Plus, which starts at $899, was marketed as a cheaper alternative to the company’s iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models starting at $999 and $1,099 respectively, and that too with a fairly large screen. It started shipping to customers on October 7, 2022. The Information, which cited two people involved in the company’s supply chain, reported on Tuesday that Apple told at least one manufacturer in China to immediately halt production of iPhone 14 Plus components “while its procurement team re-evaluates demand for the product.” Further, two downstream Apple suppliers in China “that rely on the parts and assemble them into larger modules” have also reduced their production by 70% and 90% respectively, states the report. Apparently, these suppliers are the only ones that make the specific module for iPhones. Meanwhile, the report also mentions that contrary to the iPhone 14 Plus production cut, at least one iPhone supplier has been instructed to increase component production for the top-end ‘Pro’ models – iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The possible reasons behind the underwhelming demand for iPhone 14 Plus could be a weaker than average global economy as well as rising inflation, which in turn has reduced consumer spending. Another reason could be buyers picking up the more feature-filled iPhone 14 Pro instead of the iPhone 14 Plus, as the former costs only $100 more than the latter. While Apple has not yet commented on these developments, it appears that the company had misjudged the demand for the non-Pro iPhone 14 device. Despite the setback, Apple is still planning to announce an iPhone 15 Plus in 2023 along with the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
