Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have entered mass production as Foxconn increases hiring ahead of the expected September launch. The update suggests Apple has moved into the production ramp-up stage, with its assembly partner raising hourly pay and rehire bonuses to attract workers.
The Standard reports that Foxconn has started its busiest recruitment period as factories prepare for large-scale assembly and inventory building. At the Zhengzhou site, hourly wages have reached 27 yuan, while returning workers can receive bonuses of up to 7,500 yuan.
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“Foxconn, Apple’s primary contract manufacturer, has entered its peak recruitment season as the iPhone 18 series enters mass production and ramps up capacity,” The Standard reported, citing supply chain sources quoted by mainland media.
iPhone 18 Pro upgrades expected this year
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, reducing the cutout width from 20.76mm to 13.49mm. That change would cut the occupied area by about 35% and increase the screen-to-body ratio to roughly 94.7%, giving users more display space during games and video playback.
Apple is also expected to add the A20 Pro chip and a new main camera with variable aperture technology, which adjusts light intake based on shooting conditions. Reports also suggest the new model will be thicker and heavier, while Apple may again avoid black and dark gray colour options.
Apple is reportedly planning a staggered launch, with the Pro models arriving in September and the standard iPhone 18 following next year.
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