Apple plans to increase the proportion of iPhones manufactured in India in the near future. To achieve this, a Foxconn factory in India has already commenced the production of iPhone 15 models. Deliveries are set to begin a few weeks after the phone’s release.
Shifting a larger portion of iPhone production to India is aimed at reducing risk for Apple, as reported by Bloomberg. As a result, mass production of iPhone 15 models has already started in the Indian city of Sriperumbudur. The ‘Indian’ models are expected to hit the market several weeks after the ones produced in China.
One of the challenges of manufacturing in India is the supply of components. Many suppliers are based in China, necessitating the import of parts to India for assembly by Apple. In China, the factory’s proximity to suppliers makes the process faster. It has been evident for some time that Apple is moving a portion of its production to India and Thailand. Currently, 7 percent of globally produced iPhones already come from India.
Apple’s decision to shift some of its iPhone production to India is part of its larger strategy to diversify its manufacturing base and reduce dependency on China. India offers certain advantages, such as lower labor costs and the opportunity to tap into a growing consumer market. This approach also helps Apple navigate potential disruptions in the global supply chain, as evident during events like trade tensions between the US and China or the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s worth noting that Apple has been gradually increasing its manufacturing presence in India over the years. Apart from iPhones, the company has also started producing other devices like the iPad and MacBooks in the country. This move aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and boost the country’s economy.
As of my last update in September 2021, Apple’s manufacturing facilities in India were primarily focused on assembling devices rather than manufacturing components. The specific details of where Apple’s devices were made could vary based on the company’s ongoing manufacturing strategy and partnerships at the time of your inquiry.
