Analysts tracking the air quality in China believe that a recent drop may point to a surge in industrial activity related to iPhone 12 production.
The production of iPhones has historically led to a reduction in air quality in four key Chinese cities: Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing. By tracking the air quality in these cities, analysts can gauge Apple's production cycles.
"As of October 26th, air quality data from Zhengzhou, also known as 'iPhone City,' shows that industrial production levels have spiked higher recently, about a month later than historical seasonality, which we believe coincides with the ramp in iPhone 12 mass production," Morgan Stanley analysts Katy Huberty wrote in a note seen by CNBC.
The iPhone 12, alongside the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone 12 mini, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, were announced at Apple's October event. The two latter devices come available on Nov. 13.
Apple typically announces its new iPhones in September, though it's likely the coronavirus had slowed down the 2020 production cycle.
11 Comments
Useless click bait article. There is nothing about the types of pollution, what part of the production cycle causes it, nor why iPhone manufacture would result in such high levels that it can be used to determine production rates.
Wow, these analysts are really stretching to find some tea leaves for Apple production.
The new phones have been in production for months. Useless article, as usual.
These analysts are pretty foolish. Did they forget about the PS5 and new Xbox currently being manufactured in China as well? Not sure how they could come to the conclusion the increased air pollution is being caused just by the iPhone.
Come on, guys. A little more quality control on what gets posted, please. This is clickbait trash.