Apple's biggest new products - including certain iPhone 13 models, some newer iPads and AirPods -- are experiencing delays well into December, depending on model type, colors and shopper's location, according to analysts and online checks conducted by CNN Business.
While some Google Pixel 6 products indicated January shipment orders, others were listed as out of stock. Delays arising from Covid-related production challenges and the large gap between supply and demand also hit gaming consoles, such as Xbox and PS 5, making them impossible to find.
It could be necessary to rethink how early to shop and what specs and products they are willing to live without, for customers. It could damage revenues for the holiday sales season and hurt the sales momentum for some of their recently launched products, as well as harming revenues for the important holiday sales season.
Gaurav Gupta, vice president of market research firm Gartner, said that there were shortages across the board, but premium devices that require more chips for power management solutions, microcontrols and certain features will be particularly hard to find.
The iPhone 13 and iPhone mini models, for example, were shipping at faster rates than their Pro counterparts, as of last week.
Filomena Iovino, research analyst at technology intelligence firm ABI Research, said shoppers may have better luck finding certain products depending on where they live.
According to CNN, Apple knows its strongest markets for iPhone sales, and these will be the ones prioritized to receive new product shipments. This could result in a lack of availability or delayed availability in lower-tier markets, but should not affect price. Customers should be prepared to shop early and be flexible, as a general rule.
If someone wants a tech gadget for the holidays, buy it now, said Gupta. Some items might ship in December, some might get extended to January, depending on the product. The more you customize it, the more difficult it will become to buy that gadget.