Apple is reportedly halting production of the iPhone 14 Plus while it checks whether there is enough demand for the new phone.
Unlike the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 that came with the smaller iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 Mini, Apple decided that for the iPhone 14 series, bigger is better and released the iPhone 14 Plus along with the standard model. This larger version of the latest iPhone doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the iPhone 14 Pro, but it’s a more budget-friendly upgrade from the base model.
However, this option doesn’t seem to have been a hit with customers, as Apple has reportedly halted production of the iPhone 14 Plus even though that phone has been on sale for less than two weeks (via The Information (opens in a new tab)).
Apple is said to have told the Chinese manufacturer to halt production of iPhone 14 Plus components, while the two factories that assemble iPhone 14 Plus components into larger components are reducing production by 70% and 90% respectively. According to the report, the break has been put in place while Apple is reassessing demand for the phone.
Analysis: why no one wants the iPhone 14 Plus?
So why don’t people rave about the iPhone 14 Plus? This is most likely because the iPhone 14 Plus is essentially just a more expensive version of the base model, albeit with a larger screen and slightly longer battery life. Given the rising cost of living, if people want to treat themselves to a new iPhone, the Plus probably doesn’t give people enough reason to spend an extra $100 / £100 / AU$240.
If people want to jump on a new plus-size phone, Apple has a more compelling option in the iPhone 14 Pro – a handset that feels like a next-gen device and offers a much better bang for your buck.
We suspect Apple’s publishing strategy didn’t help the iPhone 14 Plus either. The iPhone 14 Plus launched on October 7, almost a full month after the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max launched on September 16. Instead of waiting weeks for 14 Plus, we think most people forgot about it and just picked one of the three options that were immediately available.
What if you want an iPhone 14 Plus?
All of this says that if you are one of those people who want the iPhone 14 Plus, there is no reason to panic right now.
First, production was reportedly only halted, not completely stopped. As Apple changes its sales expectations, production of the iPhone 14 Plus will likely resume (albeit at a slower pace than before).
Also, as far as we know, the iPhone 14 Plus is currently not sold out at any major retail store, and for now, there seems to be enough stock that most people who want an iPhone 14 Plus will have no difficulty getting their hands on one .
If Apple decides to stop production of the iPhone 14 Plus for good, then of course things will change – and if they do, we’ll be sure to keep you updated so you don’t miss out on the big iPhone of your dreams.
The iPhone 14 Plus is clearly not for everyone though, so if you’re looking for something different, check out our picks for the other best phones of 2022.