iPhone 18 Pro hits mass production as Foxconn hires hard

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models have entered mass production, according to China Securities News, with Foxconn now in a hiring surge ahead of the phones' expected fall debut.

A new report citing supply chain sources, via MyDrivers, says Apple’s main assembly partner has moved into its peak recruitment period to support large-scale production and inventory buildup. Hourly wages, base pay, and rehire bonuses have all reportedly been increased to draw in workers during the ramp.

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to bring a smaller Dynamic Island cutout for the front camera and Face ID sensors. The opening is said to shrink from 20.76mm to 13.49mm — an area reduction of about 35% — which would lift the screen-to-body ratio to roughly 94.7% and make the cutout less intrusive for full-screen content such as games and movies in landscape mode.

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Other rumored upgrades include Apple’s A20 Pro chip and a new main camera with variable aperture technology, designed to adjust light intake based on the scene. That should improve low-light photography and give users more control over depth of field.

Chinese brokerages cited in the report were broadly positive on the device cycle. CSC Financial said iPhone 17 sales have been strong and argued Apple’s innovation cycle is improving, pointing to a foldable iPhone and smart glasses expected between 2026 and 2027. Industrial Securities said the expanding reach of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 18 lineup, and a foldable iPhone should keep hardware and AI-led upgrades driving the premium smartphone market.

Apple is also reportedly changing its launch schedule this year. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected first in September, while the standard iPhone 18 is said to be delayed until next year, likely alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.