The cost to make an iPhone in China involves several factors, including component costs, labor, and assembly. According to recent estimates:
- The total manufacturing cost of an iPhone 15 Pro is around $558, which includes components like the screen, casing, camera, battery, chips, and software
- Labor costs in China for iPhone assembly are relatively low, estimated at about $40 per phone, with workers earning roughly $3.63 per hour during peak production periods
. This is significantly cheaper than U.S. labor costs, which could be around $200 per iPhone if assembled domestically
- The labor portion is a small fraction of the overall cost, typically between 2% and 5% of the sales price
- China remains the primary manufacturing hub, assembling about 80-90% of Apple's iPhones, benefiting from an efficient and skilled workforce as well as established supply chains
In summary, the cost to produce an iPhone in China is approximately $558 per unit, with labor costs around $40, making China a cost-effective location for Apple’s large-scale iPhone production
