Major tech companies around the world are responding to the coronavirus virus (COVID-19) by implicating measures like travel limitation, cancelling of major events, and combating growing ”fake news” on their platforms.
Consumers around the world who are in the market for new devices are experiencing delays in shipping as China temporarily closes most of their factories or limit their operation to minimize spreading the virus. Similarly, tech companies are cancelling or delaying launch events for their new devices.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the World Health Organization’s website for more updates. Meanwhile, here’s how the tech industry has been affected by the virus.
Samsung
- Samsung is temporarily shifting their smartphone production operation from South Korea to Vietnam after one of their worker tested positive for COVID-19 in a factory in Gumi, South Korea, which produces some of Samsung’s latest Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip devices.
- The latest S20 models, Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Z Flip appear to be readily available on Samsung’s website with no notice of delay
- Samsung on their end are staying tight lipped about any production issues it might be facing for its latest devices.
Apple
- Apple’s major upcoming devices: The Apple’s 5G iPhone and its iPhone SE2 could face delays up to months because of the temporary shut down of factories in China.
- Retailers in New York are low on stock of iPhone 11 devices and are reporting infrequent shipments with little guidance on when the normal service will be resumed.
- Sources speaking to Bloomberg claims that Apple told store employees that replacement parts for broken iPhones will be in short supply for two to four weeks because of the outbreak.
- Apple has temporarily closed its stores in Italy and China – although its flagship Hong Kong store is still open as usual.
- Apple’s special event that is typically held in March, which usually introduces its new models is yet to be confirmed. Seeing how big tech events by Google and Microsoft was cancelled, there’s a big chance that this event might be cancelled too.
- However, devices appear to be readily available to buy on Apple’s website with no notice of delays.
Motorola
- The Razr, which is Motorola’s new fold-able phone is facing delays until ”mid to end of March” in Australia, although for UK and US buyers, the devices appear to be readily available.
- Google’s annually held I/O conference, where devices like the Pixel Buds 2 and Pixel 4A would have likely debuted, has been cancelled because of the COVID-19.
- Google has moved quickly to shut down misinformation. If you are likely to search ”Coronavirus” and ”COVID-19” on the Play Store, you will find nothing not even the related apps.
- Devices are readily available on the Google store with no notice of delays.
Microsoft
- There has been no information regarding the cancellation of its annual Surface event which typically is held around October
- Microsoft predicts that PC sales will take a hit because of supply chain issues in China.
- The tech giant is also allowing its employees to work from home until March 25th.
OnePlus
- 9to5 Google claims that OnePlus will hold an online only launch event for its upcoming OnePlus 8.
- It’s not clear whether OnePlus is suffering from any supply chain issues for its current or future devices as the company is not commenting publicly about the virus outbreak.
- Devices are readily available on their website with no notice of delays.
LG
- LG Display temporarily closed a factory in Gumi, South Korea because an employee at a bank near to the factory tested positive for COVID-19.
