iPhone 18 production starts: Foxconn sets up a huge army of workers

Preparations for the next generation of Apple smartphones are in full swing. Contract manufacturer Foxconn is currently hiring heavily to meet production targets for the iPhone 18 in time for release.

Production of the new models begins

After the first components were revealed in leaks at the end of April and prototypes were seen in internal tests, preparations for the start of sales of Apple’s next generation of smartphones in China have reached the next stage. Contract manufacturer Foxconn is now starting mass production of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This is revealed by the fact that the company is currently massively increasing its workforce at the factory in Zhengzhou. For the seasonal peak period, the manufacturer needs thousands of additional workers every year. The workers from rural regions often live in company-owned dormitories on the factory premises during their contract period, which usually lasts three months.

New strategy for the release

As The Standard reported, the current production phase is initially focused on the more expensive variants of this year’s iPhone series. While the two Pro models and the foldable iPhone Ultra are scheduled to appear in the fall, the standard versions are not expected to follow until spring 2027. This relieves the strain on the supply chain and distributes sales more evenly over the year. The Zhengzhou factory, often referred to as iPhone City, is the world’s largest center for Apple smartphone manufacturing. At peak times, over 300,000 people work there.

The extensive recruitment wave suggests that Apple is once again expecting high sales figures for the next generation following the success of the iPhone 17. The new devices should impress with more powerful chips and new screen technologies. The focus is also on integrating AI functions. However, users must expect physical changes. Reports suggest that the new versions could be thicker and heavier than their predecessors. Apple is also continuing the trend and will probably forego classic color variants in black or dark gray.

Strong position in the smartphone market

Despite the lack of color options, demand for the devices from Cupertino remains high. In the second quarter of 2026, the global smartphone market recorded an overall decline. However, Apple was able to buck this trend and even increase its market share. The company also continues to be successful in China and has secured a market share of 18 percent.

Apple takes second place behind its competitor Huawei. This shows how important the Asian market remains for the technology group and why smooth production is a top priority at Foxconn.