Foxconn, Apple’s primary supplier, is intensifying its recruitment efforts in anticipation of the eagerly awaited AI-enabled iPhone 16, set to launch this autumn. With expectations of high demand due to the iPhone 16's new AI capabilities, Apple is striving to align its production to meet these forecasts.
Foxconn is providing competitive hourly wages and bonuses to attract workers. In Zhengzhou, the hourly wage is 25 yuan (US$3.44), and returning workers can receive bonuses up to 7,500 yuan, a rise from the 6,000 yuan bonus offered a month earlier. Local labor agencies are actively promoting these lucrative positions for temporary and returning employees.
In Shenzhen, Foxconn is similarly increasing its workforce. Temporary workers are being offered an hourly wage of 21-22 yuan, while returning permanent employees can earn up to 6,000 yuan monthly for the first three months, with the possibility of pay increases for extended stays.
iPhone 16 Features and Expectations
The upcoming iPhone 16 is anticipated to include advanced AI functionalities through the Apple Intelligence platform, announced at the WWDC in June. This development is expected to incite a wave of device upgrades among consumers. Apple plans to ship at least 90 million iPhone 16 units in the latter half of the year, aiming for a 10% growth compared to the previous model.
Leading the smartphone sales in mainland China in Q4 last year, Apple is currently ranked third behind Vivo and Honor. Despite a 19.1% sales decline in Q1, Apple recorded a 2.7% year-on-year sales increase during the midyear online shopping period, attributed to significant discounts.
During the 618 e-commerce promotion (May 20 – June 20), China’s overall smartphone sales rose by 6.8% year-on-year. Huawei experienced a notable 42.4% year-on-year sales increase, while Apple’s sales grew by 2.7% due to discounts of up to CNY 2,350 (US$326).
Foxconn’s enhanced hiring efforts are essential as they prepare for the iPhone 16 launch. With the new AI features anticipated to fuel consumer interest, Apple is set to sustain its competitive advantage in the market and achieve its ambitious sales goals for 2024.
