第一财经·2025-08-19 13:53Core Viewpoint - Apple is entering the peak production season for its latest iPhone models, with significant recruitment activity at Foxconn's factories in Zhengzhou and Shenzhen, indicating strong demand for iPhone assembly [2][4][6]. Group 1: Recruitment and Labor Market - Foxconn's Zhengzhou facility is experiencing a surge in recruitment, with thousands of job seekers visiting daily since late July, and long queues reported at the recruitment center [6]. - The hourly wage for workers at Foxconn has increased, with reports of wages reaching up to 26 yuan per hour in Shenzhen and 25-28 yuan in other departments, reflecting the high demand for labor [9][11]. - Recruitment agencies indicate that the demand for workers in the iPhone assembly departments is particularly high, with many workers able to secure stable 10-hour shifts daily [4][11]. Group 2: Wage Trends - The recruitment incentives at Foxconn have seen significant fluctuations, with the return fee for workers increasing from 5,500 yuan in mid-July to 8,000 yuan by the end of July, along with additional bonuses and subsidies [7]. - Compared to previous years, the current return fees are lower, with last year's peak reaching 8,500 yuan and hourly wages in 2022 hitting 31 yuan, indicating a potential decline in labor costs as the peak season ends [11]. Group 3: Market Performance and Strategy - Global smartphone shipments saw a slight decline in Q2 2023, with Apple experiencing a 2% drop in shipments, while Samsung's shipments grew by 7%, maintaining its market leadership [11]. - Apple has implemented strategic price adjustments for the iPhone 16 series, with discounts reaching up to 1,400 yuan in some channels, aimed at mitigating the decline in sales volume [11]. - Analysts speculate that Apple is preparing to launch a foldable smartphone, which could revitalize sales through innovation in smartphone design [12].