Although Apple is trying to keep everything under control as far as possible, the effects of the Coronavrus (COVID-19) spread across all aspects of the company's operation. Now, we have the most recent victim of the epidemic: the repairs and replacements offered by Ma and its partners.
According to the Bloomberg, Apple issued a notice to its store employees to technicians responsible for repairing iPhones, more specifically warning that repair parts may suffer from shortages in the coming weeks or months. In addition, replacement iPhones (those that are delivered to users when their devices have non-repairable defects) may also be missing in some locations.
The statement instructs professionals to send replacement iPhones to users by post, in addition to offering devices on loan during the waiting period, all to alleviate the immediate demand for such devices. The company did not specify the reasons for the scarcity, but it is clear that the phenomenon is a further consequence of the effects of Coronavirus.
There is no information as to whether the release extends to Apple stores outside the United States or to the company's Apple Premium Resellers and Authorized Service Centers. Still, considering that the “epicenter” of Ma's repairs (its own stores in the U.S.) will be affected well, I would say that it's not a good idea to break your iPhone for the next few months.
Reopening of stores in China
On a related note, the Bloomberg He also reported that virtually all Apple stores in China are already open.
Of the 42 existing Apple Stores in the country, 38 have already opened their doors again, albeit at alternative / limited times, which vary according to each store.