Apple’s supply chain is gearing up for iPhone 7 production, according to an Economic Daily News report (via CNBC ). According to FoxConn’s website, its factory in China is hiring a large number of employees to start working immediately. Pegatron, another one of Apple’s many suppliers, is also ramping up staffing. The report indicates this is the earliest Apple has ever begun production on a next-generation iPhone, citing the iPhone 7’s “more complex design” as the reason for getting started over a month early.
The report comes as a surprise, considering the iPhone 7 is rumored to look very similar to the iPhone 6s line in design. However, factoring in the expected internal hardware changes, it makes sense suppliers will need more time to train employees for the assembly process.
The iPhone 7 is rumored to be entirely dust and water resistant. A dual camera system for the 5.5-inch Plus version is also a huge hardware change. In addition, it’s a near certainty Apple is ditching the headphone jack for a bluetooth or lightning audio connection. These three features alone could explain the need for extra hands. The iPhone 7 will also get a revamped antenna line, an A10 processor, and 3GB RAM, and new LTE chips from Intel. It’s unclear at this point whether or not the camera will lie flush with the body, or protrude out like the iPhone 6s.
KGI Securities reports we’ll have to wait until the iPhone 8 releases for a complete design overhaul. Expected in 2017, the iPhone 8 is rumored to feature an all glass frame with AMOLED screen. The iPhone 7 will be available this fall if Apple sticks to its traditional release schedule.
