Apple has warned shoppers to expect delays in receiving its products after a strict COVID lockdown forced the world's largest iPhone factory to shut. BBC News reports the tech giant said its assembly plant in Zhengzhou, China is now operating at a significantly reduced capacity.

Officials locked down the district that is home to the factory, run by Foxconn, on November 2 for seven days. It comes as China continues to target "zero COVID", using lockdowns to tackle even minor outbreaks.

"We now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated and customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products," said a statement from Apple, which launched its new iPhone line in September.

The announcement will likely disappoint investors who were hoping China would lift its COVID restrictions in the near future. Chinese stock markets rose sharply on November 4 on the back of rumors of an end to lockdowns.

The latest figures show the world's second-largest economy struggling to cope with prolonged challenges posed by persistent COVID restrictions, a property slump and the risk of a global recession.