Tata’s iPhone Factory Soon to Follow!
As part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in India and reduce dependency on its Chinese manufacturing base, Apple Inc. is set to commence production of its latest iPhone 15 model in the state of Tamil Nadu.
iPhone 15 Is Make In India – Foxconn Starts iPhone 15 Manufacturing In Tamil Nadu, Tata’s iPhone Factory Launching Soon!
Leading Apple Supplier Foxconn Embarks on iPhone 15 Production in India
Reports indicate that a Foxconn Technology Group facility situated in Sriperumbudur is gearing up to roll out the newest iPhone models shortly after their initial release from Chinese factories. This strategic move reflects Apple’s endeavor to swiftly enhance the supply of new iPhones emanating from India, signaling the company’s drive to diversify its manufacturing operations beyond China.
This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader goal of mitigating supply chain risks associated with its flagship products, particularly given the unpredictable trade dynamics between the United States and China. Simultaneously, the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is striving to bolster relations with the US and position India as a prominent manufacturing hub.
Prior to the iPhone 14 series, a significant portion of iPhone assembly was confined to India, lagging behind China by several months in terms of output. However, this disparity was significantly reduced last year, with India contributing to 7% of iPhone production by the end of March.
Apple aims to further narrow the temporal gap between shipments from India and China this year, although the achievement of this objective remains uncertain, according to insider sources.
The extent of iPhone 15 production in India will depend on the availability of imported components and the seamless scaling up of production lines at the Foxconn factory near Chennai. Anticipated to be unveiled on September 12, the iPhone 15 is poised to deliver significant enhancements, including substantial upgrades to the camera system across the range and an enhanced 3-nanometer A16 processor in the Pro models.
This new iPhone generation holds critical significance in rejuvenating sales, particularly as Apple recently reported its third consecutive quarter of declining sales, partly attributed to sluggish demand in key markets such as the US, China, and Europe.
Reviving Sales Amidst Challenges
Apple’s India-based suppliers, including Pegatron Corp. and a Wistron Corp. factory in the process of acquisition by the Tata Group, are also slated to participate in iPhone 15 assembly, as per informed sources.
Over time, Apple has expanded its footprint in India through partnerships with Taiwanese manufacturers. The company has capitalized on financial incentives provided by the Modi administration to foster high-end manufacturing. Consequently, Apple’s iPhone production in India surged to over $7 billion during the fiscal year ending in March.
While Apple recently inaugurated its first retail stores in India in April, the burgeoning Indian market is being viewed as both a retail opportunity and a strategic production hub for Apple’s devices in the long run.
Though precise figures remain undisclosed, Apple’s sales in India experienced double-digit growth and reached new heights during the quarter ending in June. During his visit to India in April, Apple CEO Tim Cook reiterated the company’s commitment to investing and expanding its presence across the nation, following discussions with Prime Minister Modi.
