Apple Extends Closure of China Stores... iPhone Shipment Volume Also Impacted

A Chinese person wearing a mask is passing in front of the Apple Store in Beijing, which temporarily closed on the 4th due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Apple has extended the closure period of its stores in China due to concerns over the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), according to reports from local U.S. media.

On the 7th (local time), according to the economic media CNBC, Apple stated, "After thorough consultations with public health experts and government authorities, we are working to reopen company offices and customer centers during the week of February 10," adding, "We are also preparing to reopen our retail stores."

Apple further said, "We will continue to update customers on the situation as the reopening dates are finalized." Apple did not disclose the exact reopening dates for the stores.

Previously, Apple had announced that it would close all 42 stores on the Chinese mainland, as well as offices and customer centers, until the 9th of this month.

However, Bloomberg reported that after investigating Apple's China retail website, most stores are planned to remain closed until February 15.

Some stores indicated reopening on the 13th or 14th, but the situation is known to be fluid.

Since China is an important sales market and production base for Apple, there are analyses suggesting that Apple's iPhone shipments in the first quarter could decrease by 10% due to the impact of the novel coronavirus.