Apple faces an unexpected problem with the iPhone 18 Pro launch: What is known about it?

Foxconn, Apple's main manufacturing partner, is experiencing difficulties in hiring staff for the production of new flagship smartphones. This could affect production volumes of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

What is happening at the factories

According to MacRumors, Foxconn is actively recruiting new workers and raising wages to maintain the necessary production pace. The smartphones have already entered mass production, but the company is being forced to offer increased hourly pay and bonuses for rehired employees.

What's new in the iPhone 18 Pro

The flagship model is expected to feature noticeable changes:

• A significantly reduced Dynamic Island cutout (from 20.76 mm to 13.49 mm), increasing the usable screen area to 94.7%
• A new A20 Pro processor
• A main camera with variable aperture for better low-light shooting and depth-of-field control

Changes to the release schedule

Apple has also adjusted the lineup release timeline. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, as before, will arrive in September. However, the standard iPhone 18, budget iPhone 18e, and the iPhone Air 2 model will only appear next year.

In brief

Foxconn is experiencing a staffing shortage in the production of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, forcing the company to raise wages. The new flagships will feature a reduced Dynamic Island cutout, an A20 Pro processor, and a variable aperture camera. The main iPhone 18 lineup will launch in September, while more affordable models will arrive only in 2027. Staffing issues could affect production volumes.