Apple iPhone City: Labor Rights Issues at Foxconn China

Apple’s iPhone Factory in China Faces Renewed Criticism Over Labor Practices

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Introduction

Apple’s iPhone is one of the most desired consumer products in the world, yet behind its sleek glass design and premium branding lies a supply chain repeatedly criticized for harsh labor practices. The latest controversy surrounds Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant in China, widely known as “iPhone City”, which is the world’s largest iPhone assembly hub.

A six-month undercover investigation by China Labor Watch has exposed fresh evidence of excessive overtime, delayed wages, and discriminatory hiring practices at the factory. Despite more than a decade of promises by Apple to improve working conditions, critics argue that little has fundamentally changed.

The revelations, published in the Financial Times, highlight ongoing violations in Apple’s supply chain and raise fresh questions about the sustainability of the tech giant’s production model.

Overdependence on Temporary Dispatch Workers

One of the investigation’s most serious findings is Foxconn’s extensive reliance on temporary dispatch workers, who make up over half of its 200,000-strong workforce during peak iPhone production cycles.

Chinese labor law sets a strict limit: no more than 10% of a company’s workforce should be dispatch hires. Yet, during the rush to launch new iPhone models, Foxconn reportedly pushes well past this threshold.

These workers face unique vulnerabilities:

No Paid Leave or Holiday Benefits – Unlike permanent employees, dispatch workers rarely qualify for full benefits.
Lack of Social Insurance – Vital protections such as medical or unemployment coverage are often missing.
Dependence on Overtime – Base wages hover around the legal minimum, with most workers relying on 60–75 hour workweeks to earn a livable income.

While Foxconn has admitted to exceeding legal limits in the past, the investigation suggests that the practice remains routine.

Wage Delays and Long Shifts

Another major grievance uncovered is delayed wage payments. Workers report that Foxconn deliberately staggers pay to discourage turnover. For instance:

Base salaries may be issued promptly, but performance bonuses or overtime payments are withheld for months.
If an employee leaves before the payout date, they risk losing significant portions of their earnings.

This system effectively binds employees to the factory, creating a cycle of dependency.

During peak production months, many employees work 60–75 hours per week, often with insufficient rest between shifts. While Apple insists that its suppliers adhere to a 60-hour maximum workweek, the report indicates that the cap is regularly ignored.

Read Also: How to Pre-Order iPhone 17 Pro Max

Workplace Discrimination Allegations

Perhaps most troubling are allegations of discriminatory hiring practices. According to the report, Foxconn’s recruitment software and medical checks filter out certain groups, including:

Ethnic minorities such as Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Hui applicants.
Pregnant women, who are reportedly excluded through mandatory pre-employment X-rays.

Foxconn has denied these claims, insisting that it follows equal opportunity practices and undergoes frequent audits. Yet, investigators say they encountered persistent bias in recruitment and workplace treatment.

Peak Production Pressures

Foxconn’s Zhengzhou complex is no ordinary factory. With nearly 200,000 employees, it functions as a self-contained city, complete with dormitories, cafeterias, and medical facilities.

During the ramp-up for the iPhone 17 launch, pressure on workers was immense. Temporary workers were hired in unprecedented numbers, night shifts were mandatory, and employees reported intense surveillance and even intimidation.

Some also complained of:

Inadequate safety gear when handling hazardous materials.
Limited grievance channels, making it difficult to report abuses.
Constant camera monitoring on factory floors and dormitories.

These conditions reflect not just an isolated issue at Foxconn, but systemic challenges within Apple’s global supply chain.

Apple and Foxconn’s Response

In response to the investigation, Apple dispatched its own compliance teams to assess the Zhengzhou facility. The company reaffirmed its commitment to “the highest standards of labor and human rights” and promised corrective measures.

Foxconn, meanwhile, defended its record, pointing to improvements in transparency, audit compliance, and worker welfare programs. Yet critics argue that these responses are largely reactive, issued only after scandals surface.

The reality, workers say, is that delayed pay, excessive hours, and harsh management practices remain entrenched.

Global Supply Chain Shifts

The controversy comes at a pivotal moment. Facing geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and U.S. political pressure, Apple has begun accelerating its supply chain diversification.

Key moves include:

Increased iPhone production in India, where Foxconn is rapidly scaling up facilities.
Exploration of Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations as alternative manufacturing hubs.

Despite these shifts, Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant—“iPhone City”—still produces the majority of Apple’s flagship devices. This means that ongoing labor concerns at the site carry global significance.

The Gap Between Promises and Reality

For over a decade, Apple has pledged supply chain reforms. Annual responsibility reports highlight commitments to fair labor standards, frequent audits, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Yet watchdog groups argue that real improvements remain limited. Investigations in 2012, 2016, and now 2025 reveal recurring patterns:

Overreliance on dispatch workers.
Excessive overtime during peak seasons.
Withholding of wages to restrict mobility.
Alleged discrimination against vulnerable groups.

The persistence of these issues underscores the difficulty of reforming a supply chain built for speed, scale, and cost efficiency.

Why This Matters Beyond Apple

While Apple and Foxconn dominate headlines, the problems at Zhengzhou are emblematic of broader challenges in global electronics manufacturing.

Consumers worldwide demand sleek devices at competitive prices, yet few are aware of the human cost behind their production. Labor abuses, long hours, and discriminatory practices are widespread across the sector, not limited to Apple.

The Zhengzhou case is a reminder that corporate responsibility must extend beyond glossy reports and PR campaigns.

Conclusion

Apple’s Zhengzhou factory—iPhone City—stands at the intersection of technology, globalization, and human rights. Despite Apple’s public promises of reform, investigations continue to reveal excessive overtime, wage delays, and workplace discrimination.

As Apple diversifies production to India and other regions, the company faces mounting pressure to ensure that its supply chain reforms are genuine and consistent, not merely reactive. For consumers, investors, and human rights advocates alike, the case of iPhone City is a crucial test of whether one of the world’s most powerful companies can align its global success with ethical responsibility.

Until then, the gap between Apple’s promises and the lived reality of its workers remains wide.