Major Apple iPhone supplier puts end to illegal overtime for interns

Several students were found to have worked 11-hour shifts for manufacturer Foxconn at the factory in Henan, breaking Chinese laws which prevent young people from working more than 40 hours a week.

The six secondary school students were part of a 3,000 strong group of interns sent on compulsory work experience, the the Financial Times reported.

Apple had been rushing to get its latest iPhone ready for its launch date earlier this month, but was hit by delays in production.

The electronics manufacturing firm said overnight that it had taken action to ensure the interns were not working overtime.

Apple said it was working to ensure workers on its supply line were being treated fairly.

"Apple is dedicated to ensuring everyone in our supply chain is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve," Apple said in a statement. "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."

The US tech giant has reported demand for the new iPhone, which makes up the majority of revenue for the company, has been higher than expected.