iPhone 18 Pro goes into mass production

Two months before its expected market launch, production of the iPhone 18 Pro is ramping up: Mass production is reportedly underway, and Apple's main contract manufacturer, Foxconn, is recruiting new employees at a record pace. Signals from the supply chain point to a September launch.

The report originates from the Chinese business press and is based on sources within the supply chain – as usual, there are no reliable statements from Apple itself. Nevertheless, the reported start of production fits perfectly into the picture surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro that has emerged over months from leaks about the chip, camera, and design. A production ramp-up in July corresponds to the pace Apple has used in previous years before a September launch (via MyDrivers).

Foxconn ramps up production

According to reports, production of the Pro models has entered the ramp-up phase, in which quantities are gradually increased to the volume required for the sales launch. Foxconn is said to have entered its most intensive recruitment phase to assemble enough personnel for mass production and inventory build-up before autumn.

To attract workers, the contract manufacturer reportedly pulled several levers simultaneously: higher hourly wages, an increased base salary, and bonuses for returning employees. Such recruitment drives are a recurring pattern shortly before an iPhone launch and are considered one of the few externally visible signs that mass production is actually underway.

What the Pro model should include

The design focuses on the Dynamic Island, which is expected to shrink noticeably. According to circulating information, the cutout for the front camera and Face ID sensors could decrease from 20.76 to 13.49 millimeters – a reduction of approximately 35 percent, which would increase the screen-to-body ratio to around 94.7 percent. In full-screen mode, such as when playing games or watching movies in landscape orientation, the cutout would therefore be less noticeable.

Under the hood, the new A20 Pro chip is expected, which should deliver the usual gains in speed and efficiency. Regarding the camera, there are rumors of a variable aperture: the main camera could adjust the amount of light depending on the environment, which would improve low-light performance and depth-of-field control. All of these points are still based on leaks and are not confirmed until the official unveiling.

Two models in September, the rest will follow later

This year's sales launch appears to be taking an unusual turn. Instead of introducing the entire series at once, Apple is expected to stagger the release: the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max would reportedly arrive first in September, while the regular iPhone 18 would follow next year – presumably alongside the iPhone 18e and the iPhone Air 2.

For buyers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, this means that initially only the Pro models will be available this fall; those interested in the more affordable base model will have to wait longer. The recently announced production ramp-up specifically affects the two devices that are slated to hit the market first.

The September launch of the iPhone 18 Pro is getting closer

A production ramp-up and a hiring spree at the contract manufacturer are signals from the supply chain, not confirmation of individual features – those will remain rumors until the keynote. However, together with the staggered timeline, they paint a clear picture: The first appearance of the 2026 Pro models is imminent, and the groundwork for this is currently being laid in the factories. (Image: Shutterstock / Ekaterina_Minaeva)