Apple’s offline resumption and supply chain hit by COVID-19: Delayed shipments of Products like Mac and iPad

From product delivery delays to in-store mask rules, Apple is reportedly being hit again by the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, Apple appeared to be coming out of the coronavirus without continuing to be significantly affected. In March, products such as the new iPhone SE were shipped on time, and the company is preparing to ask employees to return to work at 3 hours a week. In early April, Apple said it would invite hundreds of App Store developers to its California headquarters to watch the opening keynote of its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

But now, the situation seems to be changed a lot. As the number of cases rose again, the company was forced last week to put the brakes on its offline plans to resume work. Apple had hoped to ask employees to return to work offline on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting this week. But still continue to use before a week two antenna under the policy of return to work.

Apple told employees that the change was influenced by a rise in Novel coronavirus cases in multiple locations in the United States, including its Silicon Valley headquarters. But this has led some employees to wonder why returning to work at two antennae a week is better at preventing novel coronavirus infections than three days a week.

Apple itself has acknowledged that the decision is confusing. That's why they told employees that if they felt "uncomfortable" in the office during the recent peak of coronavirus cases, they could telecommute with approval from their managers.

Thus, at least in the next few months, apple will continue according to the changes of the outbreak of the new champions league return to work policy adjustment line. This inevitably frustrates employees.

Given the spike in cases, and the legitimate complaints from many employees about returning to work offline, it's likely apple will revert to a formal telecommuting policy. That could start as early as the new home-office exemption.

Apple may not want the billions of dollars it has invested in its offices to go to waste, but if employees fail to adapt because the policies are too strict, it risks a brain drain that could lead to greater long-term damage.

Because office workers aren't the only ones being hit by the new pandemic. Some apple store employees were already upset and had begun planning to unionize. Now, apple has put out a notice asking employees at about 100 retail stores in the US to return to wearing masks. While masks are not mandatory for in-store customers for the time being, given the unpredictability of the Novel Coronavirus, this rule is subject to change at any time.

The biggest hit to Apple's bottom line, however, has been supply chain problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This has clearly affected Apple's ability to deliver goods. Products like Macs and ipads are already available in retail stores. Apple has faced similar problems with its online store.

The specific delivery delay is as follows:

14 - and 16-inch MacBook Pros: Delivery and in-store pickup as late as early August.

The MacBook Air: early in June at the latest.

IMac: early August at the latest.

Mac Studio: Late August at the latest.

Studio Display: August at the latest.

Pro Display XDR: delivery to the beginning of August at the latest, don't provide the store.

Mac Pro: Until June at the latest.

IPad Air: late June at the latest.

IPad Pro: June at the latest.

Apple previously said supply chain constraints would cost the company up to $8 billion in sales in the current quarter.

The more interesting question is how the coronavirus pandemic will affect Apple's next round of product launches. The company had been planning to unveil new Mac products like the MacBook Air during WWDC. But how can you launch a new Mac if you can't ship an existing one?