Apple customers are facing long wait times for iPhone 13 models around the globe as a chip shortage continues to impact Apple’s supply chain. Now comes a report that says Apple is reallocating iPad parts to make up for shortages.
The iPhone and iPad share common components, including core and other chips. This allows Apple to shift parts between the devices as needed, says a report from Nikkei Asia.
Production of the iPad was down 50% from Apple’s original plans for the past two months, sources briefed on the matter said, adding that parts intended for older iPhones were also being moved to the iPhone 13.
The last time Apple prioritized iPhone production over iPad production was last year when it reallocated some iPad parts to iPhone 12 production amid supply chain shortages during the peak of the global COVID-19 health crisis.
Apple predicts stronger demand for iPhone 13 models during the holiday season. iPad demand also remains strong, with total iPad shipments totaling 40.3 million during the first nine months of 2021.