fv_iphone_7_render_topRecruitment at two of Apple's supplier factories has kicked off earlier than expected this year, with a report from Economic Daily News stating that both suppliers are getting a head start on the iPhone 7's assembly.

The new smartphone is referred to as "more complex than previous models," leading to Foxconn and Pegatron's preemptive hiring and manufacturing schedule this year (via CNBC).

Specifically, on Foxconn's website a hiring page reads, "Foxconn Zhengzhou is hiring a large number of ordinary workers. Welcome to join Foxconn: Age between 18-40. Overall monthly salary: 3,800 renminbi. Start working immediately." Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly for the positions, with language suggesting that they might have trouble connecting with Foxconn's job hotline because of the massive amount of people applying.

Due to the posting's suggestion that the iPhone 7's design is more complex than previous generations, Apple's suppliers began the hiring process about a month earlier than they have in previous years. The early start is said to buy the two companies extra time to train the new assembling staff on the intensive build of the iPhone 7. It was the first time in two years that Foxconn began recruitment processes for the assembly of a new iPhone as early as May.

Of course, no specifics were given to explain what exactly is "more complex" about the iPhone 7 this year. Recent rumors point to 2016's iPhone 7 as having a design largely similar to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, with the probable removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack and potential introduction of a Smart Connector, although a recent rumor from Japanese site Mac Otakara contradicted reports on the latter.

Such an upgrade to this year's iPhone would set Apple up for a 2017 mega-cycle iteration on the "iPhone 8" with a new form factor potentially encompassing an edge-to-edge display and integrated Touch ID sans Home Button. But that still leaves confusion over the complexity of this year's model, although it might lie in the introduction of a dual-lens camera system, reportedly exclusive to the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus that will pack 3GB of RAM to help run the image processing of the new camera.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

SSD-GUY Avatar
127 months ago
Complex because we might get another shade of pink?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MH01 Avatar
127 months ago
Complex cause the workers have never had to work on the same design three years running , cultural shift.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bodonnell202 Avatar
127 months ago
More complex to assemble so if this is true my guess is that it points to a water and dust proof design.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justperry Avatar
127 months ago
3,800 renminbi = $580 (USD) per month. Atrocious wages for people working up to and more than 60 hours a week. Even with all things considered with cost of living, these Apple offshore factory workers are getting a completely raw deal. In addition to a jam session with Garage Band, maybe Tim brought a suitcase of bonus compensatory payments as a thank you to staff for gruelling work conditions?
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=China&country2=United+States
http://www.chinalaborwatch.org
I am not even reading those links, reason, it's bollocks.
I've been around on this world and believe me there are plenty of places in this world where people make $ 30 a month.
I am pretty sure that working as a farmer in China far away from the big cities won't earn you more than $50 a month or less, those people can make a lot more than staying at home.
Half of my time I live in Indonesia and wages for most people are less than $100, especially those working on the land as rice farmers, most even don't own any land, it's even hard for them to buy new seeds or fertilizer, for many of the younger generation it is a godsend to get a decent job in a factory in the big city, this way they can support their families.

And then there is this, do you want to pay even more or a lot more for your iPhone or Mac, I guess not.
Don't pretend to make the world a better place, because you can't.

Better get the suicide nets ready.
Most of them are happy to get such a job, you see that in the numbers of people showing up.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LordQ Avatar
127 months ago
Complex because a protruding pill demands more resources than a protruding ring.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iThingsGurl Avatar
127 months ago
OMG they just figured out a way to include Watch Bands into the iPhone! New bands incoming.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Second Generation AirTag Feature

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new...
Apple Creator Studio

Apple's Next Launch is Today

Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available. Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
Apple Logo Spotlight

Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months. Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...