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Apple is reportedly pausing production of the iPhone 14 Plus as it works out whether there is enough demand for the new phone.
Unlike the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, which launched alongside the smaller iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 Mini, Apple decided that bigger for the iPhone 14 is better, and released the iPhone 14 Plus alongside the standard model. This larger version of the latest iPhone doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of the iPhone 14 Pro, but is a more budget-friendly upgrade over the base model.
However, it appears that this option is not catching on with customers, as Apple has reportedly halted production of the iPhone 14 Plus, despite the device being on sale for less than two weeks (via The Information (opens in new tab)).
Apple reportedly told a Chinese manufacturer to stop manufacturing iPhone 14 Plus components, while two factories that assemble iPhone 14 Plus components into larger components would cut production by 70% and 90%, respectively. According to the report, the pause has been placed as Apple re-evaluates demand for the phone.
Analysis: Why does no one want an iPhone 14 Plus?
So why aren’t people excited about the iPhone 14 Plus? Most likely this is 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. With the rising cost of living on everyone’s mind, if people want to treat themselves to a new iPhone, the Plus probably isn’t giving people enough reason to pay an extra $100 / £100 / AU$240.
If people are looking for a new phone with a larger size, Apple has a more attractive option in the iPhone 14 Pro – a handset that feels like a next-generation device and offers much better value for money.
We suspect Apple’s release strategy hasn’t helped the iPhone 14 Plus either. The iPhone 14 Plus launched on October 7, almost a month after the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Max, all of which launched on September 16. Instead of waiting weeks to get the 14 Plus, we think most people have forgotten about it, and just grabbed one of the three options that were immediately available.
What if you want an iPhone 14 Plus?
All of the above said, if you’re one of those people who do want an iPhone 14 Plus, there’s not too much reason to panic right now.
For starters, production has reportedly only been paused rather than completely halted. Once Apple has revised its sales expectations, production of the iPhone 14 Plus is likely to resume (though possibly at a slower pace than before).
In addition, the iPhone 14 Plus is not currently sold out 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 will have no trouble getting one.
Of course, if Apple chooses to stop production of the iPhone 14 Plus for good, the situation will change – and if it does, we’ll be sure to keep you posted so you can get the big iPhone of your dreams.
The iPhone 14 Plus is clearly not for everyone, so if you’re looking for something a little different, check out our picks for the other best phones of 2022.