Many of these workers were forced to work nights for meager pay, had their pay withheld for weeks at a time, and had to work many hours over the legal allowed limit and Apple’s own cap. Employees couldn’t quit, either, as the pay structure meant that they wouldn’t see any money for the weeks that they had already put in.
The report also claims that Apple personnel were present on-site, and were very likely aware of the labor rights violations taking place, but chose to turn a blind eye. Workers who complained were threatened with the public release of personal information, and were subjected to surveillance.
Apple has, of course, come out and said that the company is “firmly committed” to upholding labor rights and ethical conduct. The company has also already launched an investigation of its own at the plant.
According to the report, this half a year of crunch time also created an environment where employees at the factory were constantly being intimidated. All of this was done so that the redesigned iPhone 17 Pro models, as well as the new iPhone Air, could be ready in time for their September debut.
This is far from the only controversy currently haunting the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, for example, are very susceptible to damage due to their new aluminum construction. Apple has dismissed these problems for now, and there’s no telling if it will actually address these issues in the near future.
We’ve also witnessed the return of Antennagate, as iPhone 17 is having cellular issues for many users. What was supposed to be the most exciting iPhone launch in years has turned into a waste of money for many, and Apple is being scrutinized for its labor practices as well.
“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
