Apple is exploring ways to automate iPhone production to streamline its supply chain, as reported by The Information. The tech giant is aiming to reduce the number of workers on iPhone assembly lines by up to 50% over the next few years, a move likely influenced by a violent incident between workers and police at Foxconn’s primary assembly plant in November 2022.
Key points to note:
– Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of operations, reportedly issued a note outlining the plan for automation.
– Annual reports from Apple indicate a decrease in the total number of employees at manufacturing partners from 1.6 million in 2022 to 1.4 million in 2023.
– Peter Thompson, an operations vice president at Apple, has successfully automated parts of the iPhone assembly process, reducing headcount by up to 30% for some tasks.
– While initial plans to automate certain components for the iPhone 16 were scrapped due to quality concerns, Apple remains committed to exploring automation options.
Moving forward, Apple is focused on finding ways for machines to perform tasks currently done by human workers as part of its long-term strategy for iPhone production efficiency. Stay tuned for updates on how this automation initiative unfolds!
About the author:
Izzy is a tech enthusiast and integral member of the Phones Canada team. With expertise in mobile tech news and tech deals, Izzy also explores topics like cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Beyond her professional pursuits, Izzy holds a master’s degree in literature and enjoys hobbies like reading, painting, and language learning. An advocate for personal growth and gratitude, Izzy approaches life with passion and curiosity whether she’s walking her Chihuahua or indulging in some karaoke fun.
