Apple to Contribute Toward Costs of Improving Working Conditions at Foxconn Facilities - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple to Contribute Toward Costs of Improving Working Conditions at Foxconn Facilities

Reuters reports on comments from Foxconn chief Terry Gou, who claims that Apple and Foxconn will be splitting the initial costs to improve working conditions at Foxconn's facilities in China.

"We've discovered that this (improving factory conditions) is not a cost. It is a competitive strength," Gou told reporters on Thursday after the ground-breaking ceremony for a new China headquarters in Shanghai.

"I believe Apple sees this as a competitive strength along with us, and so we will split the initial costs."

It was unclear if the split would be 50/50 or in some other ratio.

ipad assembly foxconn
Foxconn workers assembling iPads (Source: Rob Schmitz/Marketplace)

Foxconn has raised wages several times over the past couple of years as it has faced scrutiny over the treatment of its employees. And following a series of audits, Foxconn and the Fair Labor Association reached an agreement in late March to reduce overtime while boosting compensation packages to compensate for the reduction in hours.

It is unclear how much the actions are costing Apple and Foxconn and how the costs are being split, but with Foxconn operating on a very slim profit margin it has limited ability to finance such improvements without raising costs for its customers or receiving direct support from Apple to assist with the changes.

Popular Stories

8 CarPlay Features in iOS 27 Feature

Which iOS 27 CarPlay Features Actually Work in Your Car?

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:17 am PDT by
In iOS 27, available now, CarPlay gets its biggest update in years, but some features depend on what type of car you have rather than your iPhone model. Some of the biggest additions won't do anything in the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. Here's how the new features pan out. Works in Any CarPlay Vehicle Custom widgets: In iOS 27, CarPlay is no longer limited to Apple's handful ...
Apple Watch New Charging Puck

Here's Why a New Apple Watch Charging Puck Was Just Released

Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have hardware changes that allow for faster charging, but you will need to use the new version of the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger included in the box in order to achieve this boost. If you need extra ones for your own charging stands or travel or so forth, Apple released the new version of the charger on its online store last week, with...
ios272anniversary

iOS 27.2 Could Save Your Marriage

Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:32 pm PDT by
The iOS 27.2 beta that Apple released today adds a feature that reminds you it's your anniversary when you call someone, as long as you've added the date in the Contacts app. On the date of your anniversary, when you go to call the person, you'll see a reminder that it's an important day so you don't forget to say something. The anniversary alert uses Call Context, a feature Apple added in...

Top Rated Comments

Small White Car Avatar
187 months ago
Non-rhetorical question: Why does Apple not just buy Foxconn? Apple could buy Foxconn, strengthen its supply chain, stop paying the Foxconn profit margin, and prevent Foxconn from being a manufacturer for rivals. Maybe I'm overlooking something obvious.

Foxconn is huge and has many other clients.

It would be like someone buying the entire McDonalds corporation just to make and sell the french fries.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gregwyattjr Avatar
187 months ago
I still don't understand why people are spitting venom at Apple in regards to their factories when there are other factories far far worse.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
187 months ago
I still don't understand why people are spitting venom at Apple in regards to their factories when there are other factories far far worse.

people are jealous of their record profit.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
whooleytoo Avatar
187 months ago
Nice touch, considering Apple didn't HAVE to do this.

Seems like Apple's influence (even if it is being 'forced' by negative press) is having a positive effect on the local workforce & working conditions. I guess that shows the real benefit of being there; rather than avoiding countries with - to Western viewers - negative, oppressive work practices.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
187 months ago
Because Apple agreed to be their client. It's kinda like being friends with a guy who beats his wife. There are probably many other companies that could supply the parts Apple needs that treats its employees better. Sure, it may cost a bit more, but a better reputation may be worth it. Plus, with Apple's halo effect, many people will still pay for Apple products regardless of price.

Because China needs to be responsible for its own mess, not someone else. If some some Chinese man is beating his wife, don't call Apple, the local police will do fine.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Krazy Bill Avatar
187 months ago
Some of you guys are hilarious.

If you want "good" to be done, get out your checkbooks and make it so. Personally, I don't invest in a company and expect the tree-huggers and whale-savers to spend my money without some kind of a return. I'll decide charity on my own - like it should be.

Blame China for Foxconn's problems.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)