Foxconn and Pegatron Begin Hiring Process Early to Prepare for 'More Complex' Build of iPhone 7

[smacrumon]

Wonder if they've beefed up the suicide prevention nets. After all, shaving off an extra MM and adding an extra gig of RAM to upgrade from last years model is a priority.

How embarrassing for Apple. They have their "premium products" manufactured in this hostile work environment, yet the CEO is playing Garage Band like everyone this a-okay. I think not.
[doublepost=1463498513][/doublepost]

It is way worse in Hungary...

And that's good thing or a poor thing? Both are worse than worse.

 

[djcerla]

Have a feeling iPhone 7 will be the worst selling iPhone ever. If rumors are true won't be that many differences from the 6S.
I'm waiting for 7S or iPhone Pro , or whatever clever name they come up with.

Yeah, it will surely sell less than 6 millions (OG iPhone).

Looks like today they left open the Dumbosaur cage at the Dumbopoly City Zoo.

 

[12vElectronics]

Maybe "complex" to them means a new manufacturing method that takes more time but allows the phone to be built better resulting in less consumer complaints and returns.

 

[Thunderhawks]

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

I did not see the salary related to 60 plus hours a week and as usual calling them Apple factory workers is intentionally misleading for sensationalism.

Fact is, these are Foxconn workers assembling Apple products and most likely products for other companies,
within the labor laws of their country. We may not like these laws, but it is not our business to change them.

Apple does have some influence on the conditions, because they are a large Foxconn customer. I am sure they do and will step in as far as they have information about bad circumstances.

However any good they do will never be blown up by the press as much as bad stuff that happens. Currently Apple is a great whipping boy, as sales are not what they used to be, which makes all speculators very irritated.

Applying Western labor laws to other countries never works. There is more info to be given, cost of living, population (I guarantee way too high) It is a pipe dream that there is a job available for every living person on earth.

The fact that the phone lines are jammed with applicants should tell everybody that workers want these jobs at the prevailing wages. ( I am sure we'll hear that there are no other opportunities, which of course is BS)

Since these wages are stated up front, people are FREE NOT to apply if they do not like the pay, so please nobody tell us it's slave labor.

Apple is not in the world to change other countries cultures or laws or make their people wealthy.

They have production of their products to offer and will have things produced where that makes the most sense.

 

[Michael Scrip]

People are lured with the false belief that working in and offshore Apple factory is just swell. But with the turn over of staff, clearly it isn't a good experience. Get a sample of the experiences at www.chinalaborwatch.org
But seems you're convinced already it sounds like a good place to work, you suggest? Go try six months. See how it works firsthand and report back here before the year is out.
Thanks.

I said Foxconn looks like a good place to work compared to other places in China.

If people choose to work at Foxconn... and it is indeed terrible and doesn't pay enough... then there obviously isn't anywhere better to work.

Like I said... if there was a better place to work... they'd already be there.

If you hated your job and it didn't pay enough... why would you stay? You'd find a better job.

My earlier question "What's the alternative" was somewhat rhetorical. It sounds like there aren't any better jobs in China.

Besides... it's difficult to make comparisons to US wages.

 

[Thunderhawks]

Totally with you on the form factor and headphone jack. Will reserve judgement on the dual lens camera. Some reading on that has me very interested.

What I find encouraging though is that the coming design they call "mega-cycle" represents a whole new ballgame, and they are taking the appropriate time with it. Apple has a winner of a form factor now. They know it, we know it. So frankly, I would rather the next "ground up" redesign take some time and represent a true quantum leap in processing, imaging, data speed, and battery life.

If the haters want to keep making jokes about innovation, protruding camera lens, etc, etc... whatever. Other than the thin / battery life complaints, it's all a load of bunk anyway.

I will never get how antenna lines and protruding lenses effect my life or use of my iPhone. It is obviously a technical issue and the space is needed, at least for Apples form factor.
The battery life on my 6S Plus is excellent. All day with tons of phone calls.

Anybody who uses their phone past whatever capacity the battery will give is not an average user and no amount of battery would be sufficient. Buy an extra battery pack or plan charging in the car, while on a break.

Hard to do when the phone seems welded to ones head, I get it 24/7 phone in hand at the ear etc..

All the complainers about protruding lenses and visible antenna lines or their positioning , please tell us how that effects your life. Can't sleep at night, anxiety attacks when looking at the phone or what?

Please book a couch at a psychiatrist!

And, those who use a case actually don't even have a case!
[doublepost=1463499549][/doublepost]

I said Foxconn looks like a good place to work compared to other places in China.

If people choose to work at Foxconn... and it is indeed terrible and doesn't pay enough... then there obviously isn't anywhere better to work.

Like I said... if there was a better place to work... they'd already be there.

If you hated your job and it didn't pay enough... why would you stay? You'd find a better job.

My earlier question "What's the alternative" was somewhat rhetorical. It sounds like there aren't any better jobs in China.

"What's the alternative"

Start better birth control (don't make it the woman's responsibility) and stop making more people which cannot be compensated for and will not get a job.
The planet is full!
That goes for all countries and continents!

 

[rp2011]

I will never get how antenna lines and protruding lenses effect my life or use of my iPhone. It is obviously a technical issue and the space is needed, at least for Apples form factor.
The battery life on my 6S Plus is excellent. All day with tons of phone calls.

Anybody who uses their phone past whatever capacity the battery will give is not an average user and no amount of battery would be sufficient. Buy an extra battery pack or plan charging in the car, while on a break.

Hard to do when the phone seems welded to ones head, I get it 24/7 phone in hand at the ear etc..

All the complainers about protruding lenses and visible antenna lines or their positioning , please tell us how that effects your life. Can't sleep at night, anxiety attacks when looking at the phone or what?

Please book a couch at a psychiatrist!

And, those who use a case actually don't even have a case!

Exactly! And if you care what your lover looks like, what your car looks like, your dinner looks like, what your clothes look like, what that big pimple on your lip looks like...
Please! Please! Go seek professional help!

 

[smacrumon]

I did not see the salary related to 60 plus hours a week and as usual calling them Apple factory workers is intentionally misleading for sensationalism.

Fact is, these are Foxconn workers assembling Apple products and most likely products for other companies,
within the labor laws of their country. We may not like these laws, but it is not our business to change them.

Apple does have some influence on the conditions, because they are a large Foxconn customer. I am sure they do and will step in as far as they have information about bad circumstances.

However any good they do will never be blown up by the press as much as bad stuff that happens. Currently Apple is a great whipping boy, as sales are not what they used to be, which makes all speculators very irritated.

Applying Western labor laws to other countries never works. There is more info to be given, cost of living, population (I guarantee way too high) It is a pipe dream that there is a job available for every living person on earth.

The fact that the phone lines are jammed with applicants should tell everybody that workers want these jobs at the prevailing wages. ( I am sure we'll hear that there are no other opportunities, which of course is BS)

Since these wages are stated up front, people are FREE NOT to apply if they do not like the pay, so please nobody tell us it's slave labor.

Apple is not in the world to change other countries cultures or laws or make their people wealthy.

They have production of their products to offer and will have things produced where that makes the most sense.

Hi again, you're back to defend the indefensible.

You've got it ALL WRONG. People have the right to be treated with dignity and not exploited whether they apply or not apply.

Apple states "Across our supply chain, we limit work to no more than 60 hours a week, with a mandatory (one) day of rest once every seven days." http://www.apple.com/au/supplier-responsibility/labor-and-human-rights/ So even if we take Apple's own statements are gospel, many hundreds, many thousands of staff are working more than 60 hours per week because according to Apple's figures, their suppliers aren't even fully compliant with this poor standard.

At Pegatron, that factory has been recently implicated for terribly poor work conditions and multiple excesses of work hours http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/report/109 and with the pay stubs to back up the claims http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/report/107 (end of page).

Apple has ultimate influence, it is the company organising the requirement for offshore workforces and setting the price for assembling its products. Apple have ultimate ability to change things, pay staff properly, treat them with dignity, give them proper working conditions and reasonable hours, in non toxic work environments.

Fact is these staff are working soley on Apple products, being hired solely for iPhone 7 and other Apple products. So while they might be under a shell structure, they are effectively extended offshore Apple employees no matter how you want to spin it.

If Foxconn or Pegatron sounds like a fun experience, well, the article describes where you can apply, then please report back to us here in six months about your experience.

 

[Razeus]

More complex = waterproofing.

 

[unobtainium]

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

Horrible working conditions in China (and other developing countries) is what makes our luxurious consumer lifestyle possible. It's a grim reality people need to be aware of.

 

[_mdavenport]

Hopefully more complex = more innovative.

Would love to be surprised this year, so far it's underwhelming...

 

[Tycho24]

Wonder if they've beefed up the suicide prevention nets. After all, shaving off an extra MM and adding an extra gig of RAM to upgrade from last years model is a priority.

Does it make you feel sleazy making "jokes" like these?? =(
[doublepost=1463500594][/doublepost]

How embarrassing for Apple. They have their "premium products" manufactured in this hostile work environment.

Ummmmmmm....
You do know that the suicides were found to NOT be related to poor work conditions, right?????!
Lol, or do you SERIOUSLY think that only just now & only with Apple- work conditions are bad in China & historically have never been worse?? (an odd thing to think...)
As it turned out- Apple/Foxconn was one of the ONLY companies adding life insurance as a benefit. Gambling debt brings shame on your family in China; these workers were killing themselves to get their families out of debt.
Ironically; the deaths turned out to be because it was the best place to work, not the worst.

 

[smacrumon]

Does it make you feel sleazy making "jokes" like these?? =(
[doublepost=1463500594][/doublepost]

Ummmmmmm....
You do know that the suicides were found to NOT be related to poor work conditions, right?????!
Lol, or do you SERIOUSLY think that only just now & only with Apple- work conditions are bad in China & historically have never been worse?? (an odd thing to think...)
As it turned out- Apple/Foxconn was one of the ONLY companies adding life insurance as a benefit. Gambling debt brings shame on your family in China; these workers were killing themselves to get their families out of debt.
Ironically; the deaths turned out to be because it was the best place to work, not the worst.

Source please. All I know is that I'd be completely ashamed if my extended offshore factory had to have nets installed and that the business had an unusual concentration of deaths explained or unexplained.

 

[Mike Oxard]

someone is seriously dropping the design ball....hard to believe Jony Ive is letting all these protruding work pass through his design table

may seem trivial but this is denting the Apple brand

As I've said before, I cringe when I remember Steve Jobs saying (at the release of the iMac G3) "The back of ours looks better than the front of the other guys". The back of the battery case is ridiculous, the back of the phone on these renderings are plain ugly.

 

[6836838]

Why do they not employ over 40's? That's ageist. Isn't this the story here?
[doublepost=1463500886][/doublepost]"Apple's main manufacturer not employing people over 40"

 

[Tulani]

As I've said before, I cringe when I remember Steve Jobs saying (at the release of the iMac G3) "The back of ours looks better than the front of the other guys". The back of the battery case is ridiculous, the back of the phone on these renderings are plain ugly.

What puzzles me most is these guys especially Jony, should know best having been around Jobs.

 

[smacrumon]

Why do they not employ over 40's? That's ageist. Isn't this the story here?

There's absolutely a story here. Because when you're forty, you're more likely to speak up. Young employees are notorious for staying quiet and not asserting themselves or confronting their management and that makes a more attractive employee for an employer especially in this situation.

 

[Breaking Good]

I will never get how antenna lines and protruding lenses effect my life or use of my iPhone. It is obviously a technical issue and the space is needed, at least for Apples form factor.
The battery life on my 6S Plus is excellent. All day with tons of phone calls.

Anybody who uses their phone past whatever capacity the battery will give is not an average user and no amount of battery would be sufficient. Buy an extra battery pack or plan charging in the car, while on a break.

Hard to do when the phone seems welded to ones head, I get it 24/7 phone in hand at the ear etc..

All the complainers about protruding lenses and visible antenna lines or their positioning , please tell us how that effects your life. Can't sleep at night, anxiety attacks when looking at the phone or what?

Please book a couch at a psychiatrist!

And, those who use a case actually don't even have a case!
[doublepost=1463499549][/doublepost]

"What's the alternative"

Start better birth control (don't make it the woman's responsibility) and stop making more people which cannot be compensated for and will not get a job.
The planet is full!
That goes for all countries and continents!

For many years China had a single child policy. (It may have stopped now. I don't know.)

This resulted in one worker supporting two parents and four grandparents. They have a huge problem with their aging population.

China needs to keep its working age population working. A slowdown in consumption in the U.S. would have devastating effects on China's economy.

At the same time the United States needs to keep its workers working also. However, the U.S. can't compete head-to-head with $3.63/hr wages. Things will have to get really bad before Americans will start to work for those wages. I don't think any American wants to envision what a country where the prevailing wage is $3.63/hr. would look like.

These are difficult questions which won't be solved by 30 second sound bites from our current crop of politicians on either side of the political aisle.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

Recruitment 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.

Article Link: Foxconn and Pegatron Begin Hiring Process Early to Prepare for 'More Complex' Build of iPhone 7

Not that this would necessarily make the construction that much more complicated, but has anyone noticed that there are two circles above the front camera on the blueprint? Are they just the ambient light sensor and the proximity sensor, or could one be a front facing flash?

Edit: Nevermind. Just saw a blueprint of the iPhone 6 that has the same circles.
http://www.the-blueprints.com/modules/vectordrawings/preview-wm/apple_iphone_6.jpg

 

[jonblatho]

Have a feeling iPhone 7 will be the worst selling iPhone ever.

Yes, I'm certain that it'll do worse than the original iPhone, which sold all of 5.4 million units in its first year. Careful with your hyperbole.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

It would be really nice to find out that Apple has a surprise in store for us. I really don't mind the form factor, so they can keep that for years on end as far as i am concerned, but so far I have not heard of any new gotta have features. At least I still don't gotta have dual lenses on my phone. And I certainly don't gotta have a missing headphone jack.

I'm with you. While I actually would like a new form factor as well, there's obviously going to be some new improvements and probably more than just a faster processor with more ram and better camera. There's definitely going to be a surprise of some sort. As much fun as it is to bash Apple and the leaks so far, there will be something else exciting inside this new phone, and the fact that they're hiring more people because it will be more "complex" only solidifies that idea.
[doublepost=1463502728][/doublepost]

It won't ship earlier at WWDC (if that's what your thinking) iOS 10 would need to be announced and beta tested first. That's why the iPhones have a separate event in September and ship with the latest IOS.

That totally makes sense, but honest question, didn't they used to release the new iPhones at the WWDCs in June?
[doublepost=1463502993][/doublepost]

We haven't seen any leaks from the front of the phone yet. There is a very slim chance Apple might make a few changes in regards to the front of the phone.

Saying that, we'll see a leak later that shows the front of the phone remains the same!!

I mentioned this in another comment, but the blueprint that was released shows two small circles above the front camera. Could one of those be a front facing flash?
Edit: On second thought, I think they are probably just the ambient light sensor and the proximity sensor, but there's always a chance!

http://handfulofhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gallery-1462985142-iphone7-blueprints.jpg

 

[Dave245]

[QUOTE="
That totally makes sense, but honest question, didn't they used to release the new iPhones at the WWDCs in June?[/QUOTE]

Yes they did with the 3GS and the 4 I think.
[doublepost=1463503288][/doublepost][QUOTEThat totally makes sense, but honest question, didn't they used to release the new iPhones at the WWDCs in June?[/QUOTE]

Yes they did with the 3GS and the 4 I think.[/QUOTE]

 

[justperry]

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-livin...ult.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.

 

[SMIDG3T]

I mentioned this in another comment, but the blueprint that was released shows two small circles above the front camera. Could one of those be a front facing flash?

http://handfulofhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gallery-1462985142-iphone7-blueprints.jpg

Could well be. I can't think what else it would be.

 

[Thunderhawks]

Hi again, you're back to defend the indefensible.

You've got it ALL WRONG. People have the right to be treated with dignity and not exploited whether they apply or not apply.

Apple states "Across our supply chain, we limit work to no more than 60 hours a week, with a mandatory (one) day of rest once every seven days." http://www.apple.com/au/supplier-responsibility/labor-and-human-rights/ So even if we take Apple's own statements are gospel, many hundreds, many thousands of staff are working more than 60 hours per week because according to Apple's figures, their suppliers aren't even fully compliant with this poor standard.

At Pegatron, that factory has been recently implicated for terribly poor work conditions and multiple excesses of work hours http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/report/109 and with the pay stubs to back up the claims http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/report/107 (end of page).

Apple has ultimate influence, it is the company organising the requirement for offshore workforces and setting the price for assembling its products. Apple have ultimate ability to change things, pay staff properly, treat them with dignity, give them proper working conditions and reasonable hours, in non toxic work environments.

Fact is these staff are working soley on Apple products, being hired solely for iPhone 7 and other Apple products. So while they might be under a shell structure, they are effectively extended offshore Apple employees no matter how you want to spin it.

If Foxconn or Pegatron sounds like a fun experience, well, the article describes where you can apply, then please report back to us here in six months about your experience.

I leave it open who has it all wrong.

NOBODY is forced to apply for this job. Which part of that is not clear?
EVERYBODY can leave any time , if they do not like the job! Also, pretty clear!

Right there the discussion can be finished!

Obviously you would not apply and neither would I. Assembly line work is very hard, regardless of even the hours.

Just because APPLE mentions 60 hours, that doesn't mean the money offered for the job is for 60 hours at $ 580. I do not know Chinese, Indian, South American or African (That's where production goes next) local labor laws, whether they have a deal that 40 hours is normal pay, 60 includes overtime or whatever.

The fact that not all suppliers are compliant is known by Apple and I am sure they are putting pressure on the factory owners to change that.
Hard to do BTW, unless you have a dedicated staff there checking things 24/7.
Even then no guarantee.

BTW: Working 60 hours is NOTHING. I have my own company, work Saturdays and Sundays and have been doing that for over 20 years. Some of that involves physical labor. And, I am older than the 18-40 crowd they want they are offering jobs to.
Even when I did not own my own company , I worked extra hours not treating my job like a 9-5 job. That's how you get ahead in life.

Now to those who take the jobs for whatever reasons. Your chinalaborwatch link was previously posted and both parties are arguing about the validity of the numbers. I guess the truth is in the middle.

I am not even saying that no violations take place. That happens in USA as well as in the rest of the world.

I cannot share your viewpoint that these are Apple employees, feels like, act as if, saying they make only Apple products does NOT make them Apple employees.
Why would we assume that the item they make makes them employees of that company.

Would they be Microsoft, Samsung, LG, Google or Dell employees when they assemble other brands?

The whole idea that Apple is responsible for the welfare of all mankind wherever their products are made is ridiculous.