Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn is reportedly ready to start mass production for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 this month, while the larger 5.5-inch model will enter mass production in August.
The iPhone 6 is one of the most highly anticipated devices of this year and leaks and rumors related to the upcoming smartphone are surfacing at a rapid pace. Apple is widely expected to unveil its next-generation iPhone in September, but it remains to be seen whether both models will launch at the same time.
Some early reports claimed that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 was facing some production issues that would delay its launch, leaving the 4.7-inch model to launch first. Subsequent reports then said that Apple had fixed those issues and the two iPhone 6 models were set to launch simultaneously. More recent reports, however, again claimed that issues with the development of the 5.5-inch unit would result in delays or limited availability.
The latest leaks surrounding the iPhone 6 now reveal that Foxconn will begin mass-producing the 4.7-inch model this month, according to media reports cited by Reuters. The larger mode, meanwhile, will reportedly enter production a month later.
Taiwan's Economic Daily News reportedly revealed that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will enter production during the third week of July, while the 5.5-inch version will follow the same route in the second week of August.
Foxconn will reportedly hire roughly 100,000 additional workers to meet future demand for the iPhone 6, the news agency further noted, without mentioning any sources.
Meanwhile, another Apple manufacturing partner, Pegatron, is also making new hires, recruiting more than 10,000 workers for its facilities to help manufacture the iPhone. Moreover, recent reports also claimed that Foxconn was looking to use 10,000 robots to help employees with less intensive tasks in the manufacturing process, such as tightening screws.
As previously mentioned, Apple is widely expected to introduce its new iPhone 6 in September. The general belief is that the company will make the unveiling on Sept. 9, and the handset will go on sale on Sept. 19. If the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 is indeed scheduled to enter production one month after its 4.7-inch counterpart, it could either mean that the two models will not launch simultaneously, or that the larger version will launch in limited quantities at first.
It's all in the rumor state for now, however, so make sure to take all leaks, rumors and reports with a hefty grain of salt until official confirmation.
