The chip shortage problem continues to spread, and even Apple Inc., which has a strong operating capability, cannot be immune.

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that there are no major problems with advanced process chips, and the main topic actually surrounds the traditional process (legacy node).

According to CNBC and 9to5Mac reports, Cook pointed out in the 28th earnings conference call that although Apple did not face a shortage of chip supply in the second quarter (January-March), this also caused Q2 revenue to be higher than the company's original expectations, but the third quarter is afraid The shortage mainly affects the Mac and iPad production lines.

Cook explained that compared with cutting-edge processes, chips using older processes are more problematic. He did not specify which link is facing the shortage, but Apple purchases many chips using traditional manufacturing processes to transmit data to the panel, provide camera power, decode sound effects, and manage the battery.

Cook said, "Most of our issues are about obtaining traditional process patents. In addition to the same industry, people in many different industries are also using traditional processes." However, he does not know how much demand for production capacity from competitors and other industries is. .

Analyst Ben Bajarin pointed out that although Apple can obtain the required 5-nanometer process chips, the problem actually stems from the production status of other components. He said that the traditional manufacturing process has affected many companies and components.

Apple’s Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri also pointed out in the conference call that the shortage of Q3 traditional process chips will result in a revenue cut of 3 billion to 4 billion US dollars. Having said that, Apple still predicts that the annual growth rate of Q3 revenue is expected to reach "strong double digits." He said, "We really hope to have more iPads and Macs in stock."

It was only recently reported by Japanese media that due to the global shortage of parts and components, the production schedule of some MacBooks and iPads has been delayed. This shows that even Apple, which has strong procurement capabilities, cannot avoid this unprecedented supply chain tightness. problem.

On the 8th, the Nikkei Asian Review quoted an unnamed source as reporting that before the final assembly of the MacBook, components must be placed on the printed circuit board. The shortage of chips delayed the original schedule of this critical step. Due to the shortage of panels and panel parts, some iPads could not be assembled as scheduled.

According to the news, based on the above reasons, Apple has moved some parts and components orders for these two devices from the first half of this year to the second half of this year. So far, although the iPhone has not been affected by the shortage of chips, the supply of some components is indeed "very tight." On the whole, the shortage of parts only ends in the supply chain and has not affected consumer supply.