If you're looking to buy a phone around this time of year, you may well try to wait for a good Black Friday deal or some Christmas bargains. Often, even the best phones get some kind of discount or deal that makes them even more attractive.
But those looking to purchase a device from the iPhone 14 range – including the iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max – may be better off buying now, or risking not getting their hands on one at all.
After massive popularity caused issues with availability for the Pro and Pro Max variants, Apple has been dealt another blow. The companies' manufacturing partner, Foxconn, faces strict lockdown measures after an outbreak of Covid-19 at their main Zhengzhou plant caused a city-wide lockdown.
BBC Journalist, Stephen McDonell, shared videos which he claimed shows a swathe of workers breaking out of the factory to escape the measures, though these claims are not verified. Foxconn have reportedly offered a 20% bonus for any staff who stay to complete all shifts until mid-November, amidst concerns over production capacity.
It looks set to put another spanner in the works for the iPhone 14 range. In their latest earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted that the company was unable to produce enough models of the iPhone 14 Pro to keep up with the demand. At the time of writing, Apple's UK webstore lists a three week wait time for the Pro, compared to a few days for the vanilla iPhone 14.
Will I be able to buy an iPhone 14?
There are already a host of great iPhone 14 deals available – great news for anyone looking to bite the bullet early. But will there be even better offers come Black Friday?
It's not likely. Apple itself doesn't take part in Black Friday like other retailers do. And, while you can get discounts and deals from third party sellers, I don't see them being substantial in such close proximity to the iPhone 14's release date.
-
Ninja Luxe Café review: is this the most versatile coffee machine ever?Ninja's first-ever coffee machine is finally here
-
One running shoe brand seems to dominate all running distances on Strava – can you guess which?Nike dominates the Strava leaderboard, but it's not just about shoes – the 2024 Year in Sport Trend Report reveals how athletes train, race, and socialise today
-
Apple Intelligence's new features are imminent and actually really usefulHey Siri, write a news story for T3 about Apple Intelligence... erm
-
I use Apple's best AirPods daily – and the price just dropped in 5-star dealWith nearly $100 off, this AirPods Pro 2 Black Friday deal is too good to miss
-
The iPad just dropped to its lowest-ever price – this is a 5-star Apple dealYou can get your hands on Apple's entry-level tablet for just over $250
-
Apple should make a Fire TV Stick rival not its own TV, says expertAnd we agree...
-
Smarter Siri still planned for iPhone, but there's a catchThere's a brand new Siri coming to your iPhone, but you're going to have to wait a while longer
-
As most phones get bigger, iPhone 17 is set to shrink one major Apple featureThe Dynamic Island looks set to lose some territory
-
Your older iPhone is about to lose an essential feature foreverIf you don't have a modern iPhone, it may be time to upgrade
-
iPhone 17 Slim tipped to be the thinnest iPhone Apple’s ever madeCould make the iPhone 16 look massive
