Apple has begun iPhone 13 production in India. Foxconn, the company’s manufacturing partner has started manufacturing the flagship handsets at a plant near Chennai.
The move will help bolster the globally acknowledged brand’s market presence in India, the world’s second-largest market. This could directly benefit the American company with its iPhone 13 models being made locally.
“We are excited to begin making iPhone 13 — with its beautiful design, advanced camera systems for stunning photos and videos, and the incredible performance of the A15 Bionic chip — right here in India for our local customers,” said Apple in a statement.
But it is not the first time Apple has produced iPhones in India. Foxconn and Wistron, the company’s manufacturing partners in India have been manufacturing older models in India. But now, Apple is set to begin the production of its latest iPhone 13 handsets at a Foxconn plant in India. In addition, Apple’s other manufacturing partner Pegatron is reportedly beginning production later this month. But it’s likely, to begin with the production of the iPhone 12.
It is also noteworthy that Apple has never manufactured a pro model handset in India. So far, the company has limited its production business to iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and now iPhone 13. And since the iPhone 13 will be for Indian customers, it is also likely these models won’t hit other markets.
For India, besides, the globally popular handsets being made locally, there isn’t much for the consumers on the price front. Also check out: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro, The Clash of The Titans
To grow its market share
Apple though boasts a good presence, is not among India’s top smartphone brands. The US phone maker rests behind Xiaomi, Samsung, Vivo, Realme, and others. While Xiaomi has a 26.42% share, Apple at sixth occupies only 3.95%, as per Statcounter.
But in 2021, Apple generated around $2.09 billion, among the premium brands in India, as per Counterpoint. The company is seeking to cash in on this momentum.
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Will it run down the costs?
That is unlikely. If one thing has defined iPhones apart from their obvious design distinction and features, it is their stubbornness not to slash prices. It is also evident with previous handsets that Apple built in India didn’t noticeably drive down their costs. So, the chances of iPhone 13 costs coming down because of their local production are slim to none. But we won’t rule it out completely yet.
Also, Apple has firmly stated that the iPhone 13 units will be exclusively for local consumers. That means, it is likely the handsets won’t enter other markets that including Nepal too. And talking about iPhones, the latest affordable lineup iPhone SE 2022 has launched in Nepal.
Would you wish iPhones were locally made in Nepal? Would a locally manufactured phone be more appealing to you? Leave your perspective in the comments below.
