The iPhone X Was Reportedly Made Using Illegal Slave Labor

Everyone already knows that iPhones are made using questionable manufacturing methods but in a recent report, the world was treated to another glimpse of the terrible truth behind every Apple device enjoyed by consumers. Apparently, when the iPhone X was being made by Foxconn, high school students employed by the company as interns were forced to work 11-hour days, which was illegal.

The report was published by the Financial Times, which found that six teenagers were forced to work overtime on a regular basis in addition to their classes. This was apparently due to the fact that their school required the students to work at the factory as part of its educational program.

Both Apple and Foxconn have already admitted to the incident but insisted that the students were there voluntarily. The companies also said that the interns were compensated accordingly and provided benefits, which comes off as tone deaf given the severity of the situation.

“During the course of a recent audit, we discovered instances of student interns working overtime at a supplier facility in China. We've confirmed the students worked voluntarily, were compensated, and provided benefits, but they should not have been allowed to work overtime. At this facility, student intern programs are short term and account for a very small percentage of the workforce. When we found that some students were allowed to work overtime, we took prompt action. A team of specialists is on site at the facility working with the management on systems to ensure the appropriate standards are adhered to,” Apple’s statement reads.

“Apple is dedicated to ensuring everyone in our supply chain is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We know our work is never done and we'll continue to do all we can to make a positive impact and protect workers in our supply chain.”

Contrary to what Foxconn and Apple are saying, however, the students claim that they were only working at the factory because of their school, Ars Technica notes. Ranging from 17 to 19 years of age, it would seem that the students had to complete a three-month work experience in order to graduate. One of the students even said "We are being forced by our school to work here... The work has nothing to do with our studies."