Apple has reportedly suspended production of the iPhone 14 Plus while it determines whether or not there is sufficient demand for the new phone.
Unlike the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13launched alongside the smallest iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 MiniApple has decided that for the iPhone 14 range more is better, and released the iPhone 14 Plus next to the standard model. This larger version of the latest iPhone doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of the iPhone 14 Probut it is a more economical upgrade over the base model.
However, it seems that this option was not taken up by customers, as Apple reportedly suspended production of the iPhone 14 Plus when this handset had been on sale for less than two weeks (via Information (opens in a new tab)).
Apple reportedly told a Chinese manufacturer to halt production of iPhone 14 Plus components, while two factories that assemble iPhone 14 Plus components into larger components are reportedly cutting production by 70% and 90% respectively. According to the report, the pause was put in place while Apple reassesses demand for the phone.
Analysis: Why doesn’t anyone want an iPhone 14 Plus?
So why aren’t people raving about the iPhone 14 Plus? That’s likely because the iPhone 14 Plus is essentially just a more expensive version of the base model, but with a bigger screen and slightly longer battery life. With the rising cost of living on everyone’s mind, if people are looking to afford a new iPhone, the Plus arguably doesn’t give people enough of a reason to shell out $100/£100/ AU$240 extra.
If people are looking to jump into a new plus-size phone, then Apple has a more compelling option in the iPhone 14 Pro – a handset that feels like a next-gen device and offers a lot more bang for your buck.
We suspect Apple’s exit strategy didn’t help the iPhone 14 Plus either. The iPhone 14 Plus launched on October 7, nearly a month after the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Max, which all launched on September 16. Rather than waiting weeks to get the 14 Plus, we think most people forgot about it, and just chose one of the three options that were immediately available.
What if you wanted an iPhone 14 Plus?
All of the above, if you’re one of those people who want an iPhone 14 Plus, there’s currently not too much reason to panic right now.
On the one hand, production would have been only interrupted, rather than stopped altogether. Once Apple changes its sales expectations, production of the iPhone 14 Plus will likely resume (although perhaps at a slower pace than before).
Also, the iPhone 14 Plus isn’t currently being sold at any major retailer as far as we can tell, and for now there seems to be enough stock that most people who want an iPhone 14 Plus have no trouble getting one.
If Apple chooses to stop production of the iPhone 14 Plus for good, the situation will of course change – and if that happens, we’ll be sure to keep you posted so you don’t miss out on getting the big iPhone from your dreams.
The iPhone 14 Plus clearly isn’t for everyone, so if you’re looking for something different why not check out our picks for the other best phones of 2022.