The Wall Street Journal reports Apple is luring hundreds of engineers and supply-chain managers from rival tech firms as is prepares to speed up the creation and release cycles of its products. The hiring spree is said to be focused on China and Taiwan, and has targeted employees from such firms as HTC.
Apple reportedly reached out to individual engineers at these other companies specifically. While it’s not clear how many Apple has hired, it could create yet another hurdle for HTC in particular, as the company has seen a financial downturn while struggling against larger smartphone makers.
Apple reportedly needs the additional engineers to aid in working on iPhone and iPad parts with suppliers in the region, while the supply-chain manager hiring spree may be to allow better monitoring of factory conditions in the wake of concerns and criticism of how workers have been treated at Apple partner’s manufacturing facilities.
While the Journal reports that Apple is hoping to release products more often, it does not note whether the focus will be on shorter times between product releases, or releasing more products, or both.
