Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Apple reportedly cuts production orders for iPhone XS, XS Max and XR

Suppliers have been grappling with a shift in iPhone demand.

seankeane
seankeane
Sean Keane Former Senior Writer
Sean knows far too much about Marvel, DC and Star Wars, and poured this knowledge into recaps and explainers on CNET. He also worked on breaking news, with a passion for tech, video game and culture.
Expertise Culture, Video Games, Breaking News
Sean Keane
2 min read
apple-event-091218-compare-iphone-xr-iphone-xs-iphone-xs-max-0876

Production orders for the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR have reportedly been slashed.

James Martin/CNET
Advertiser Disclosure
Advertiser Disclosure
This advertising widget is powered by Navi and contains advertisements that Navi may be paid for in different ways. You will not be charged for engaging with this advertisement. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, this advertising widget does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that information in the featured advertisements is up to date, each advertiser featured in this widget is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its offer details. It is possible that your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms in this advertising widget and the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser which will be presented to you prior to making a purchase. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.

Apple has reduced production orders in recent weeks for all three 2018 iPhone models, a report said Monday. The iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, unveiled in September, didn't sell as well right off the bat as analysts expected, and Apple cast doubt about sales volumes for the current quarter as well.

Best Cyber Monday 2018 phone and wearable deals

See all photos

Now The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, reports that Apple's production cuts have created havoc for its suppliers.

Production requirements got thrown off by low demand among consumers and by Apple's decision to offer three three new models (it released two each year until 2017), the report said.

trident-nov-06-213132-mp4-00-04-37-10-still001
Watch this: How deep can the iPhone XS and XR go?

Major iPhone suppliers Qorvo, Lumentum Holdings and Japan Display last week cut their quarterly profit estimates, citing an order reduction from a large customer, and as it turns out, Apple accounts for one-third to one-half of the revenue for those companies, the Journal notes.

Foxconn, the largest Chinese iPhone assembly company, cut overtime hours usually available for its workers during peak production periods.

The XR -- the cheapest of the 2018 models -- has proven especially challenging. It was previously reported that Apple cancelled an XR production boost, and the Journal wrote that the company told suppliers it cut its production plan further.

Apple, which didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, said earlier this month that it won't offer unit sales data for iPhones, iPads and Macs starting in the next quarter. Instead, it'll focus on the revenue generated.

The best tech Christmas gifts for 2018

See all photos

CNET's Holiday Gift Guide: The place to find the best tech gifts for 2018.

Best Black Friday 2018 deals: The best discounts we've found so far.