Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models have entered mass production and are now in a production ramp-up phase, according to China Securities News.
In a new report citing industry chain sources (via MyDrivers), Foxconn, Apple’s main assembly partner, has reportedly entered its peak recruiting period to prepare for large-scale production and storage ahead of the fall launch. Hourly wages, base pay and rehire bonuses have all been increased to attract workers in the ramp-up.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to introduce a smaller Dynamic Island cutout for its front camera and Face ID sensors. The aperture is expected to increase from 20.76mm to 13.49mm, an area reduction of around 35%, which would push the screen-to-body ratio up to around 94.7% and reduce cutout intrusion on full-screen content like games and movies played in landscape mode.
The devices are also expected to benefit from the A20 Pro chip, continuing Apple’s usual performance and efficiency gains, as well as a new main camera with variable aperture technology that adjusts light intake depending on the shooting environment, which should improve low-light photography and depth of field control.
Chinese brokerages offer a mixed but largely optimistic view of the device. CSC Financial said iPhone 17 sales have been strong and Apple’s innovation cycle is trending upward, with a foldable iPhone and smart glasses among several new products expected between 2026 and 2027 that could directly benefit the industry. Industrial Securities said the combination of the growing availability of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 18 lineup, and a new foldable iPhone should enable hardware and AI innovation to drive the high-end smartphone market, and recommended investors continue to track mid-to-long-term opportunities related to Apple’s product strength and AI upgrades.
Apple has reportedly adjusted its release cadence for the line this year, adopting a staggered rollout rather than launching the full line at once. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to arrive first, in September, while the standard iPhone 18 isn’t expected to launch until next year, likely alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.
