The race for the iPhone 18 Pro has officially begun. According to a report from China Securities News, Apple's Pro and Pro Max models have entered mass production and are undergoing the production ramp-up phase. The main assembly partner, Foxconn, has launched an intensive hiring campaign, offering generous bonuses to attract experienced workers ahead of the expected September launch.
Foxconn hires thousands of workers with rehire bonuses up to 10,000 yuan
The Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant has announced record incentives for employees returning to its Chinese factories. According to supply chain sources, Foxconn is offering rehire bonuses of up to 10,000 yuan (about 1,400 US dollars) for experienced workers, an unprecedented amount. The goal is to accelerate the assembly of the new iPhone 18 Pro models, which require highly specialized labor to handle the new camera modules and 2-nanometer A20 Pro chips.
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iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max mass production underway ahead of September launch
The eighth-generation Pro models represent Apple's flagship lineup for 2026. Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will feature an OLED display with variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz, an improved camera system with a periscope lens for 10x optical zoom, and a larger battery thanks to a new internal design. The production ramp-up phase is critical to avoid shipping delays, as happened with previous models.
According to analysts, Apple aims to sell over 90 million units of the iPhone 18 series by the end of the fiscal year. Foxconn, which handles about 60% of iPhone assembly, is ramping up production lines at its Zhengzhou facility, also known as iPhone City. The mass hiring is a reliable indicator of an imminent launch, confirming Apple's traditional calendar.
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The premium smartphone market heats up with new high-end devices
The mass production start of the iPhone 18 Pro comes amid fierce competition in the premium smartphone segment. Samsung recently unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 at the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in London, while Google continues to push its Pixel lineup. Apple's move confirms its strategy of maintaining an annual upgrade cycle despite global supply chain challenges.
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For those following tech news, it is interesting to note how other wearable devices are also gaining attention: for instance, the Apple Watch recently rescued a cyclist after a fall, demonstrating the importance of technology in daily life. Additionally, the recent Samsung Galaxy Unpacked highlighted how dynamic the market is. Foxconn, meanwhile, is also facing the challenge of diversifying production outside China, but for now most iPhones continue to be assembled there.
For more on Foxconn's role in electronics manufacturing, see Wikipedia.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/22/iphone-18-pro-enters-mass-production
