By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Apple is again facing strong external pressures as it works to deliver a successful iPhone holiday season, but is being threatened by a factory fire, hurricane flooding hitting quartz supplies, ocean freight strikes, and also a worldwide economic decline.A pallet of iPhones being loaded onto a plane. (Source: SDI Logistics)Apple has publicly committed to donating to the disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. This is unfortunately just the latest of so many cases that have needed such help, but it’s also one Apple’s supply chain could be severely affected.That’s because while much or most of Apple’s suppliers are overseas, there is a crucial quartz mine in western Northern Carolina in the US. It’s so far been closed entirely for five days following the devastation caused by the hurricane. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Source:: Apple Insider