A number of leaks and rumors over the past few months suggested that Apple would launch, besides the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, a third variant with a dual-camera setup and other premium features. Now Mobipicker reports that all the three versions of Apple’s upcoming device have entered mass production. The Cupertino company’s contract manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron are assembling the new iPhones.
Foxconn starts mass hiring
The third version of the device is said to be called iPhone 7 Pro. Apparently, the third model with a 5.5-inch display would require more staff at assembly lines to meet Apple’s deadlines. The Pro version is rumored to have two 12-megapixel lenses on the back – one with OIS and another with 2-3x optical zooming. The 2016 flagship iPhones are unlikely to see major design changes, except for the removal of the headphone jack and rear antenna bands.
Separately, CNBC reports that Foxconn has started mass hiring for the iPhone 7. A job advertisement from Apple’s contract manufacturer 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.” The ad encourages potential applicants to “hurry to apply.”
iPhone 7 Pro is the reason behind early hiring
Taiwanese publication Economic Daily News reported that both Foxconn and Pegatron were hiring in large numbers to prepare for the assembly of new iPhone models. Notably, these suppliers traditionally go on a hiring spree in June or July, but this time recruiting has started as early as May. Recent reports suggest that the iPhone 7 Pro is much more complex to manufacture than other models. It means suppliers have to start working on the components earlier, and provide the assembling staff more training.
Analysts believe that the iPhone 7 will be an incremental upgrade. A bigger overhaul will arrive in 2017, which marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. It is said to be such a huge upgrade that Apple would ditch the ‘S’ moniker and call it iPhone 8.
