Foxconn is said to have entered its peak recruitment period to prepare for large‑scale production and stocking of the iPhone 18 Pro ahead of the fall launch, with hourly wages, base pay, and rehire bonuses all raised to attract workers. The iPhone 18 Pro models have entered mass production and are now in a ramp‑up phase, according to China Securities News.

The device is expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island cutout, shrinking from 20.76mm to 13.49mm—an area reduction of roughly 35%—which would push the screen‑to‑body ratio up to about 94.7% and lessen intrusion on full‑screen content. This design change aims to improve the viewing experience for games and movies played in landscape mode.

Hardware upgrades include the A20 Pro chip, continuing Apple’s performance and efficiency gains, and a new main camera with variable aperture technology that adjusts light intake depending on the shooting environment, enhancing low‑light photography and depth‑of‑field control.

Chinese brokerages offer a mixed but largely bullish view, citing strong iPhone 17 sales and an upward innovation trend. Industrial Securities highlights expanding Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 18 lineup, and a forthcoming foldable iPhone as drivers of high‑end smartphone market growth. Apple is reportedly adopting a staggered rollout, launching the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September while the standard iPhone 18 is expected next year alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.