What you need to know
- Apple's new iPhone 13 is expected to debut in September.
- A new report says suppliers are scrambling to find extra workers.
- It says they are battling competition and a shrinking pool of potential employees.
A new report says Apple's suppliers in China are scrambling to hire more workers ahead of a rumored September launch for the upcoming iPhone 13.
From SCMP:
Apple suppliers in China, including the world's largest iPhone factory, are raising their starter bonuses amid stiff competition for the shrinking pool of young people willing to do manufacturing jobs, as production ramps up on new models expected to launch in September.
Foxconn, Apple's largest supplier, has raised bonuses to a record high of $1,578 if employees stay for 90 days, having only recently increased the bonus on July 23. The figure is 10,200 yuan, up from 10,000, 9,500 of which goes to the new employee and 700 to whoever referred them.
The report says that other suppliers have similar incentives. Lens TEchnology is looking for 5,000 production line workers and 2,000 quality inspectors and has doubled its hiring bonus to 10,000 yuan for employees who work for 20 days per month over seven months. Luxshare Precision has also upped its bonuses, including a bonus for workers who return to the company having previously left.
Apple has reportedly asked for 90-95 million iPhone units by the end of 2021 to cope with demand. The new device is expected to feature a fairly similar design to the iPhone 12, whilst adding improved cameras, a new processor, 120Hz display for the 'Pro' models, bigger battery life, and more. Last year Apple's iPhone was delayed because of supply chain disruption caused by COVID-19, the company says its flagship smartphone is back on track this year.
