Taking a long time to process my order

The ordered item will remain at the processing stage until it is nearing the anticipated arrival date. At that time it will change to preparing to ship, then to shipped. At that time Apple will send you an email with an updated arrival date and tracking information. Also at that time Apple will charge your method of payment.

"Processing" included time in manufacturing.

It is also the busiest shopping season of the year, and Chinese assembly plants are having labor issues and protests due to COVID restriction.

You are quite welcome.