Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup has reportedly entered mass production, with manufacturing now ramping up ahead of the devices’ expected unveiling this September.
According to a report from China Securities News, via MacRumors, citing sources within Apple’s supply chain, manufacturing partner Foxconn has entered its busiest hiring period of the year as production accelerates. The company is said to have increased hourly pay, base salaries, and rehire bonuses in an effort to recruit additional workers for the launch period.
The reported production milestone suggests Apple’s next-generation flagship iPhones remain on schedule for their expected autumn debut, with suppliers now focused on building inventory ahead of launch.
Rumours suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will introduce one of the most noticeable design changes in recent years, featuring a significantly smaller Dynamic Island. Reports claim the cutout housing the front-facing camera and Face ID system will shrink by around 35%, increasing the available display area and providing a more immersive experience when watching videos, playing games, or using full-screen apps.
Under the hood, Apple is expected to introduce the new A20 Pro chip, bringing further improvements to performance, power efficiency, and Apple Intelligence capabilities. The Pro models are also rumoured to feature a new variable aperture main camera, allowing the lens to automatically adjust the amount of light entering the sensor depending on the scene. The technology could improve low-light photography while giving photographers greater control over depth of field.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to play a key role in Apple’s growing focus on artificial intelligence, with analysts suggesting the combination of new hardware and expanded Apple Intelligence features will help maintain demand for premium smartphones.
Recent reports have also suggested Apple will adopt a new release strategy for the iPhone 18 family. Rather than launching every model simultaneously, the company is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max first, with the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air reportedly following in 2027.