Apple Supplier Foxconn Accused of Forced Labor at iPhone 17 Factory [Report]

Apple is facing fresh scrutiny over labor conditions at its largest iPhone production base in Zhengzhou, following a new investigative report from China Labor Watch (CLW). The report, covering the recent manufacturing of the iPhone 17, alleges that practices at the Foxconn-run plant contravene Chinese labor law and that Apple representatives on-site were aware of the conditions.

During peak season, the plant employed between 150,000 and 200,000 workers. More than half were dispatch hires, five times China's 10 percent legal cap. According to the report, dispatch workers were paid a base wage of 12 RMB per hour, below the statutory minimum of 20.6 RMB, with the remainder withheld until the following month. Anyone leaving before the 25th forfeited this pay. Students allegedly received the same 12 RMB rate and were pushed into night shifts and overtime, sometimes under pressure linked to graduation.

The investigation also found evidence of discriminatory hiring, with notices that excluded Uyghur, Tibetan, Hui, and Yi applicants. Pregnant women and female workers were also systematically turned away. Many employees were working 60 to 75 hours a week, above both Chinese law and Apple's 60-hour weekly limit.


Workers reported being denied social insurance, paid sick leave, and maternity benefits. Others described unsafe conditions, including exposure to toxic chemicals without proper gear, and cases of verbal and sexual harassment. According to CLW, employees who raised complaints often faced surveillance and intimidation.

CLW says these problems mirror or worsen conditions it documented in 2019. The group also questioned Foxconn's April claim of a clean audit by the Responsible Business Alliance, noting that the RBA never responded to requests for transparency. The findings come as Apple continues to diversify its supply chain beyond China.

"While Apple announced a $600 billion investment in the U.S. from the White House podium, its key supplier in Zhengzhou continues to operate a labor system heavily dependent on temporary dispatch workers," said CLW Executive Director Li Qiang, referencing Apple's recent pledge to increase its U.S. manufacturing investments. "This not only violates Chinese labor law but also meets international indicators of forced labor. Without genuine enforcement and accountability, workers' conditions will only deteriorate."

China Labor Watch is urging Apple and Foxconn to reduce dispatch hiring to within legal limits, stop using students for night shifts, ensure full benefits and overtime pay, and create independent grievance channels.