We’re going through some tough times, people. India has gone into complete lockdown due to the novel coronavirus. And if the outbreak and the consequent self-quarantine weren’t enough, we Apple fans are to face yet another disappointment. Apple’s biggest supplier, Foxconn, has halted the iPhone XR’s production in India amidst the massive outbreak. This means that if you were planning to buy the stylish, brilliant, and budget iPhone XR, you’ll have to wait. Man, what a start to the year!
Stay at home, folks (That includes you, too, manufacturing people!)
Foxconn’s decision comes in the wake of the complete lockdown of India, as ordered by the prime minister on Tuesday. The 21-day lockdown would be in accordance with Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, forbidding the assembly of four or more people in one place. This means that iPhone XR production in India will come to a standstill until at least 14 April 2020!
What XR is to Apple
iPhone XR, the best selling iPhone of 2019, is arguably India’s favourite iPhone. The brilliant yet affordable smartphone was one of the biggest reasons Apple managed to capture 3% market share in India. The delay in production comes as a substantial setback and could potentially affect Apple’s position in the Indian market.
The Foxconn Chennai plant that takes care of iPhone XR manufacturing in India comes under the Greater Chennai Corporation. Talking to the Times Of India, Commissioner G. Prakash said, “Since this is an extraordinary medical emergency, we have brought these stringent measures into place. Thirty joint teams of corporation and police will be on rounds checking who violates this.”
While the news comes as a hard hit to Apple, fans are equally disappointed. But given the circumstances, we must bear this too. Soon, my love (@iPhoneXR), soon!
