Apple boosting iPhone 16 production with 50,000 new workers in factories, report claims

In anticipation of high demand for the upcoming iPhone 16, Apple has significantly ramped up production, leading its primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, to hire 50,000 new workers in just two weeks, according to a report by BusinessKorea, via MacRumors.

This year, Apple decided to increase production by 10%, aiming for a total output of 90 million iPhone 16 units. To meet this ambitious target, Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility, the world’s largest iPhone production hub, is now operating at full capacity. The facility, which is responsible for approximately 80% of global iPhone production, has intensified its recruitment efforts, bringing in a substantial number of additional workers to handle the increased workload during the peak production season, which typically runs from August through December.

To attract the necessary labor force, Foxconn has significantly raised wages and bonuses. As of August, the company has increased the hourly wage to up to 25 yuan and raised the hiring bonus from 6,000 yuan to 7,500 yuan. These incentives have been critical in quickly scaling up the workforce to meet Apple’s production needs.

In addition to the ramped-up production in China, Apple is reportedly planning to diversify its manufacturing base by producing a larger variety of iPhone models in India, starting with the iPhone 16 lineup. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of expanding its global supply chain.