Apple has begun mass production of the iPhone 18 Pro, and its main assembler Foxconn has entered an intensive hiring phase to support the ramp-up, according to supply‑chain sources. Hourly wages, base pay and rehire bonuses have been increased to attract more workers ahead of the model’s expected launch this autumn.
Production and hiring at Foxconn
To cope with rising volumes, Foxconn has kicked off a peak recruitment period to ensure large‑scale manufacturing and inventory build-up. The strengthened pay measures are designed to reduce labor shortfalls during the ramp—a critical step for meeting Apple’s go‑to‑market schedule.
What’s new in the iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to introduce several notable hardware changes. It would feature a smaller front Dynamic Island, shrinking from a 20.76 mm opening to 13.49 mm—a reduction of roughly 35% in area—pushing the screen‑to‑body ratio to about 94.7% and minimizing the punch‑hole’s impact on full‑screen content. The device is also said to include an A20 Pro chip for improved performance and efficiency, plus a main camera with a variable aperture module that can adjust incoming light by scene to enhance low‑light photography and depth‑of‑field control.
Launch timing and rollout strategy
Apple is reportedly staggering its launch cadence this year: the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be unveiled in September, while the standard iPhone 18 would be delayed until the following year, alongside new iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 models. That shift would represent a notable change to Apple’s usual release rhythm.
Market sentiment and industry outlook
Chinese brokerage houses interviewed by sources are broadly optimistic. One notes the solid sales performance of the iPhone 17 and points to an accelerating innovation cycle, highlighting major products anticipated in 2026–2027—such as a foldable iPhone and smart glasses—that could further benefit the sector. Another firm argues that broader availability of Apple’s intelligence‑driven features, the rollout of the iPhone 18 family and a future foldable model should keep hardware and software innovation driving the premium market.
A note of caution
Some technical details reported here remain unconfirmed by Apple, so they should be treated as provisional. Still, the industrial ramp and pay adjustments at assemblers are tangible indicators that the supply chain is gearing up for an imminent launch.
In short, ongoing production increases and Foxconn’s hiring push suggest the Apple ecosystem is accelerating to meet anticipated demand for its next wave of high‑end iPhones.
