For years now, rumors have persistently stated Apple was planning to release a lower cost iPhone. And despite the insistence of CEO Tim Cook , leaks and alleged confirmations of the plastic smartphone continue unabated. But a new report from watchdog group China Labor Watch ( via AllThingsD ) may have actually proved the cheaper iPhone is being assembled in some capacity in China right now.

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"Today’s work is to paste protective film on the iPhone’s plastic back cover to prevent it from being scratched on assembly lines," reads a portion of the China Labor Watch report . "This iPhone model with a plastic cover will soon be released on the market by Apple. The new cellphone has not yet been put into mass production, so quantity is not as important."Prior rumors have stated the low-cost iPhone would feature a 3.5-inch Retina display, a plastic shell with multiple color options, and an A5 processor. When announced, the new smartphone will supposedly be called the iPhone 5C, and may retail for around $300.Saying Apple has faced its fair share of scrutiny over alleged workers rights violations at Chinese manufacturers would be an understatement. Over the years, Cupertino has consistently stated the company addresses claims of labor violations at suppliers like Foxconn , but this latest report is concerning another Chinese manufacturing plant, operated by Taiwanese company Pegatron. The report cites workers being forced into 60-hour-plus workweeks, unclean living conditions, and the withholding of pay.Apple has recently announced plans to bring some manufacturing to the United States . Meanwhile, Google and Motorola are running an aggressive "Made in America" campaign for its upcoming Moto X smartphone.

Matt Clark is a freelance writer covering the world of videogames, tech, and popular culture. Follow him on Twitter @ClarkMatt and MyIGN at Matt_Clark