Apple reportedly warns stores about replacement iPhone shortage

The coronavirus outbreak is impacting Apple's global supply chain, according to Bloomberg.

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Sean Keane

March 5, 2020 4:58 a.m. PT

iphone-xs-max-broken-screen-2 — Apple could struggle to replace badly damaged iPhones for a few weeks.
Angela Lang/CNET

Try not to break your iPhone -- Apple might not be able to offer a replacement for a few weeks. Its retail employees were warned that replacements for badly damaged devices will be in short supply, Bloomberg reported Tuesday, in sign of the global coronavirus outbreak's impact on Apple's supply chain.

There's also been a shortage of individual parts at some Apple Stores, according to the news agency, which cited anonymous employees.

The new strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causes a pneumonia-like illness and was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December. It has now infected nearly 96,000 people and caused more than 3,200 deaths globally.

The outbreak has forced Apple to seek alternative sources for parts after suppliers in Wuhan closed. It also temporarily closed its 42 stores in mainland China, and acknowledged that the disruption means it'll miss its quarterly revenue guidance.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about the replacement iPhone shortage.