Apple is known for innovative products, high profits, and a global brand image that stands for quality and progress. However, the production conditions at its suppliers in China have repeatedly come under criticism. A new report by China Labor Watch now accuses Apple of ignoring abuses at Foxconn Zhengzhou, which have been known for years. The iPhone 17 is currently being mass-produced there – under working conditions that, according to the report, remain problematic.
China Labor Watch has existed as an independent, non-profit organization since 2000. Its goal is to strengthen the rights of workers in China and expose abuses in the industry. The organization has repeatedly highlighted labor rights violations in Apple's supply chain, including at Pegatron and Foxconn. It published a report on conditions in Zhengzhou in 2019. The current study, conducted in 2025, compares the situation with that time and concludes that most problems have persisted or even worsened.
Little progress since 2019
The current report shows that there has been only one notable improvement at Foxconn Zhengzhou since 2019: underage workers, such as those documented at that time, will no longer be employed by 2025. In all other areas, however, there is stagnation or deterioration.
Exacerbated problems
The study describes four issues that have worsened over the years:
- the wage system, which remains non-transparent and disadvantages workers,
- ethnic and regional discrimination, which continues to play a role,
- Information control that limits communication and transparency,
- and occupational safety, where significant deficits continue to exist.
Unchanged grievances
In addition to the worsening problems, China Labor Watch also lists numerous areas where no improvements have been observed since 2019. These include:
- Overtime, which continues to be excessive,
- the use of students in production,
- low wages despite hard work,
- missing or inadequate training programs,
- the lack of a functioning trade union,
- Discrimination based on gender or pregnancy,
- and inadequate accommodation conditions for employees.
Wages stagnate at a low level
Income remains a key issue. According to the report, the base wage has not changed in the past six years. It remains between 2,100 and 2,400 RMB, or approximately $294 to $336 per month. Overtime and bonuses can increase this amount to around 3,000 RMB, equivalent to approximately $420. For many employees, this income is insufficient given the workload and cost of living.
Role of the Chinese authorities
China Labor Watch also points out that the authorities are aware of the problems at Apple's supplier factories. However, according to the organization, these abuses are deliberately tolerated to ensure Apple's technology transfer to China. The mass production of the iPhone 17 at Foxconn Zhengzhou should also be viewed in this context.
Apple's reaction
In response to inquiries from The Straits Times, Apple stated that it is committed to the highest standards when it comes to labor, human rights, the environment, and ethical conduct. Suppliers must provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, and implement environmentally conscious practices. Apple emphasizes that it conducts regular third-party audits. Should issues arise, the company acts quickly. In the case of Zhengzhou, Apple teams were on-site and began investigations immediately.
Apple between ambition and reality
The China Labor Watch report paints a critical picture of working conditions in Apple's supply chain. Despite years of criticism and public promises, little progress has been seen since 2019. With the exception of the employment of minors, abuses persist or have worsened. While Apple outwardly emphasizes high standards, the results in Zhengzhou reveal a different reality. Whether and how Apple will succeed in extending its claim of premium quality to the conditions for its workers remains to be seen. Especially for a company with global appeal, this is crucial for credibility and accountability. (Image: Shutterstock / ZCOOL HelloRF)
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