Apple’s MacBook and iPad production hit by computer chip shortages

Apple Inc’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) production of some of its MacBook laptops and iPad tablets has been delayed due to a global shortage of computer chips. According to a Nikkei report on Thursday, some assembly has been postponed due to a shortage of displays and display components, while a lack of chips has also delayed a key step in the MacBook production cycle. READ: Apple's electric car plans are key for big upgrade from UBS As a result, the report said Apple has decided to push back part of its component orders to the two products into the second half of 2021, although production scheduled for its iPhones have not been affected by the shortage. Apple’s woes follow warnings last week from Foxconn, the Taiwanese chipmaker that is one of its core suppliers, that a shortage of components could last until next year. South Korean tech titan Samsung has also warned of a looming shortage of semiconductor microchips, which having previously hit the car manufacturing sector now seems to be spilling over into the wider tech industry. Apple shares were up 0.6% at US$128.63 in pre-market trading in New York on Thursday.