iPhone chipmaker hit with computer virus: 4 things to know

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in Hsinchu, Taiwan — which makes the processors for Apple's iPhones — said a recent computer virus may cause shipment delays for some products, CNBC reports.

Here are four things to know:

1. Several computer systems at TSMC were hit by a computer virus Aug. 3, which the company attributed to a "misoperation" during the software installation process for a new tool, according to CNBC.

2. As of Aug. 5, TSMC had recovered 80 percent of its tools that were affected by the virus. The company stressed no confidential information was compromised during the virus, and that there were no indications of a cyberattack.

3. TSMC warned the incident may result in shipment delays for some products and suggested it would reduce the company's third-quarter revenue by 3 percent, or $255 million, compared to its previous estimates.

4. Analysts suggested the computer virus would not affect Apple's iPhone production, despite rumors the company will release three new iPhone models this year.

In a note published Aug. 6, Fubon Research estimated 1.5 million to 1.7 million A12 chips — the processors that will likely be used in Apple's upcoming smartphones — will be delayed. However, since TSMC has indicated delayed shipments will be resolved during the next quarter, there will likely be "no meaningful impact on Apple's new coming iPhone," Fubon wrote.

KGI expressed a similar sentiment in a note Aug. 6, writing the effect on Apple's new iPhones would be limited because supply chain "usually prepares for these incidents and manufactures surplus chipsets during the initial ramp-up stage."

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars