Foxconn embarks on 'largest single hiring spree' for iPhone 6

iPhone 6: Foxconn embarks on ‘largest single hiring spree’ for assembly lines

By Trevor Mogg June 23, 2014

Apple iPhone 6 concept — iPhone 6 concept design. Image used with permission by copyright holder

The iPhone 6 rumor stew has been bubbling away nicely in recent months, though as the weeks roll by and the expected launch of a new Apple handset draws ever closer, it seems the pot is on the verge of transforming from a gentle simmer to a raging boil.

The latest news out of Asia is that Taiwan-based Foxconn is in the middle of recruiting more than 100,000 people to help assemble the iPhone 6, described in one report as the manufacturer’s “largest single hiring spree” ever.

Taiwan’s Economic Daily News (via Reuters) said Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai, will produce 70 percent of the new phones, while Pegatron, another Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer with factories in China, will take care of the remaining 30 percent.

The Daily News report also claimed Pegatron is preparing to boost the number of employees at one of its production plants by up to a third to cope with the extra work.

The timing of the pair’s plans to expand their workforces appears to back up what many believe – that Apple will launch its new, 4.7-inch iPhone later this year, in the fall.

An even larger device, with a display thought to be 5.5 inches, is also said to be in the pipeline, though while some commentators believe it could hit the market at the same time as the 4.7-inch version, others point to a release several months later.

With big-screen smartphones becoming increasingly popular, Apple’s current iPhone is, in the eyes of many consumers, looking dated. The iPhone 6 looks set to change all that, with Tim Cook and co. hoping the lure of a larger model will be enough to tempt existing iPhone owners into upgrading to its latest device and at the same time persuade Android users to consider making the switch.

For all the latest updates on what we might expect to see with the iPhone 6 – including details on design, features, pricing, and more – be sure to check out DT’s special page on the upcoming device here.

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