Apple is cutting production of the iPhone 14 Plus. Here’s why

Just months after Apple unveiled its new iPhone 14 series, Apple is curbing production of the larger iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus also got a late start for most buyers compared to the smaller iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 Plus replaced the Mini model sold in the iPhone 13 lineup.

The Information report cites sources in Apple's supply chain who claim the company is cutting production of the new iPhone 14 Plus. At least one manufacturer has been asked to immediately stop producing iPhone 14 Plus components, according to reports. The report also claims the two Apple suppliers in China are also relying on parts to assemble them into larger modules, cutting production by 70% and 90% respectively. Sources of the report say that these vendors are the only ones doing specific modules for the iPhone.

Reasons for low demand for the iPhone 14 Plus

The new iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 also feature nearly the same design and hardware as last year's iPhone 13. This may be the main reason why buyers opt for older, cheaper variants. Plus, the iPhone 14 Plus is just $100 cheaper in the US than the iPhone 14 Pro, which has better overall specs and camera performance. The new round cutout and A16 Bionic chipset in the iPhone 14 Pro model's display were some of the key differences that could influence your buying decision.

Aside from competition within the iPhone range, global demand for smartphones is also declining. According to a recent report from Canalys, the smartphone market shrank 9% in the third quarter compared to the same period last year. A recession in various economies around the world could be the reason for the slowdown in demand. Canalys even claims that it expects demand to decline further over the next six to nine months.