Foxconn is intensifying its recruitment efforts at its flagship iPhone production facility in Zhengzhou, China, in anticipation of Apple's forthcoming iPhone 16 launch featuring advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. 

At the same time, SCMP reported that the company, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, is offering competitive incentives such as a 25 yuan ($3.44) hourly rate and bonuses reaching up to 7,500 yuan ($1034) for returning employees.

The company will also boost wages at its Shenzhen campus, offering temporary workers between 21 and 22 yuan ($2.90 - $3.03) per hour and enticing returning permanent staff with initial monthly salaries of up to 6,000 yuan ($828), with potential for increases based on tenure. 

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Foxconn China's Response to Tough Apple Competition

This surge in hiring comes as Apple prepares to introduce its next-generation smartphone, which is set to include AI features expected to debut early next year. 

According to Bloomberg, Apple aims to ship over 90 million units of the iPhone 16 in the latter half of 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous generation.

While Apple's AI-enabled iPhone 16 devices promises massive advancements and hype, its implementation in China remains uncertain due to stringent internet regulations and tough competition from domestic smartphone brands like Huawei and Vivo. 

Despite leading in smartphone sales in mainland China last year, Apple faced a 19.1% decline in the first quarter. VCPost shared that this prompted pricing adjustments of $360 less and promotional efforts during China's midyear online shopping season.

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