Apple to cut iPhone_ AirPods output

Apple_ the world's biggest tech company is planning to cut the output of its iPhone and AirPods devices as the Ukraine crisis and looming inflation start to put negative impact on demand for consumer electronics_ the Nikkei reported on Monday_ citing sources.

The US tech giant plans to make about 20% fewer iPhone SEs next quarter_ or lower production orders by about 2 million to 3 million units than originally planned_ due to weaker demand.

The company also reduced orders for its AirPods wireless headphones by more than 10 million units for this year_ as it scales back the level of inventories due to lukewarm demand.

Earlier this month_ Apple unveiled 5G connectivity to its iPhone SE_ its low-cost model aimed mostly at buyers in emerging markets.

Counterpoint Research said_ the earlier 4G iPhone SE accounted for 12% of total iPhone sales from its launch in the second quarter of 2020 until the end of 2021.

After the Unites States_ Japan is the second biggest market of Apple products.

The company also asked suppliers to produce 2 million fewer units of the entire iPhone 13 range than previous plan_ but said this adjustment was based on seasonal demand_ according to a report by Nikkei.