iPhone 18 production is now underway

Apple has started mass production of the iPhone 18 lineup, according to ITHome, citing the China Securities Journal. The report says serial production of Apple’s new flagship phones began in July and is now moving into a higher-volume ramp-up phase.

At the same time, Foxconn, Apple’s biggest manufacturing partner, has entered its usual period of aggressive hiring to support the volumes needed before the company’s autumn launch.

Apple is also strengthening its position in China as it prepares the new range. According to Counterpoint Research, smartphone shipments in China fell 2% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, but iPhone sales rose 23%. Apple’s market share reached 18%, putting it in second place behind Huawei.

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Analysts cited by the source link that growth to a wave of price increases among Android smartphone makers, driven by rising component costs, while Apple kept its pricing more stable. Experts also say some buyers may have chosen to purchase an iPhone early, expecting possible price increases for the iPhone 18 series.

The report also notes that new images and details of the iPhone 18 Pro surfaced online yesterday from what it describes as a reliable insider. The iPhone 18 lineup is rumored to make its official debut on September 8 or 9.