Skip to main content

Apple adding hundreds of new engineers and operations staff in China to speed development of larger iPhones

China Foxconn

Apple is on a mass hiring spree for Asian staff, beginning in the middle of last year, as noted by the Wall Street Journal. The Journal says that Apple is trying to speed up product development in China and Taiwan to help launch a larger lineup of devices. Apparently, the company is aggressively hiring away from HTC and other firms to form strong product teams in Asia.

The hires indicate Apple is preparing for ‘faster and more frequent product launches’ according to the Journal. The paper reiterates that Apple is working on bringing two larger-screen iPhones to market this year. It is also increasing the number of supply chain managers to help combat criticism about working conditions. The report says that Apple’s operations staff in China now tops 600 people.

Last August, Apple used the professional networking website LinkedIn to reach out individually to engineers at HTC and its Taiwanese suppliers Inventec Corp. and Quanta Computer Inc., among others.

“Apple is building an engineering team in Taipei to drive new iPhone product development,” Apple said in one recruiting email obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

Apple also has been hiring for its main Asian base in Shanghai, where it moved into a new three-building complex last year, people familiar with the matter said.

The Journal makes clear that “core research and development” remains firmly in Apple’s Cupertino headquarters. The Far Eastern positions revolve around the development of current components, like cameras and screens.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. Cool. The news of new, larger iPhones is great. Can’t wait until the fall to get new phone.

  2. kang thuval - 10 years ago

    hay friend

  3. Jim Phong - 10 years ago

    Not above 4.7″ please.. 4.5″ it’s more than enough.

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.