It’s a bad time for the coronavirus to affect the tech industry. In the UK alone, sales have been on the slide across the gadget and tech sectors respectively for some time; the latest bad news from China about the so-called Wuhan virus are not good. Many in the industry predict a huge lockdown.
And looking to the mobile phone market in Lancashire, it’s equally bleak. Samsung just launched its new range of S20 phones. Huawei is facing controversy in the UK over the 5G network. But now Apple is hitting the headlines because of a threat from coronavirus, known as Covid-19.
In a statement, Apple said, “Work is starting to resume around the country, but we are experiencing a slower return to normal conditions than we had anticipated. As a result, we do not expect to meet the revenue guidance we provided for the March quarter.”
Your iPhone 7 trade in will probably be affected too. There’s not so much of a demand now, more of a glut, for used and recycled phones. The prices have fallen through the floor for old tech since the chinavirus outbreak.
What about Apple Stores? Will they stay open?
Apple fans need not worry though:
“Apple is fundamentally strong, and this disruption to our business is only temporary. Our first priority — now and always — is the health and safety of our employees, supply chain partners, customers and the communities in which we operate. Our profound gratitude is with those on the front lines of confronting this public health emergency.”
That said, Apple closed all of its stores in China this week. And it’s looking likely to follow suit in the UK soon — Ireland has already shut up shop and all schools are closed. This is going to run and run.