Apple has begun the production of its next-generation smartphone iPhone 15 at a plant in India in an attempt to lessen its dependency on Chinese manufacturing. As per reports, the US tech giant’s key supplier Foxconn has started manufacturing the upcoming iPhone lineups at a plant in the country’s southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Successor to the iPhone 14, the upcoming iPhone 15 is a hotly-anticipated phone of 2023. The series will expectedly feature four traditional models- base, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max. The series is launching this mid-September. Find more: iPhone 15 Rumors Round Up | Design, Display, SoC, Camera, Battery, Launch Date
Apple’s India move has been developing in recent years. The firm’s CEO Tim Cook has openly expressed the company’s ambitions in India. Earlier, after a discussion with Indian PM Narendra Modi at the White House, Cook remarked that India serves as a “huge opportunity.” And back in April, the company inaugurated Apple stores in Mumbai and Delhi in a historical move.
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Why is Apple making the iPhone 15 in India?
Apple has been making efforts to diversify its production away from China amidst the US-China’s contentious relationship. In addition, producing iPhones in India will also help Apple cut down import tariffs. India has also banned the import of laptops, tablets, and other electronics seeking foreign companies to sign up for the country’s “Make in India” initiative with incentives. So, producing gadgets in India could be a key development to become prominent in the thriving South Asian market.
Market supply has been an issue for the company. Back in 2022, Apple had to bear unfavorable scenarios that hurt its ability to meet market demands. Because of COVID-19’s safety measures and the workers’ protest, iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max were not available worldwide for weeks. Likewise, the US government has also implemented several policies that disallow Chinese firms from using any technologies or services made in the US. As a way out, Apple is actively seeking an option in India.
Apple manufactured iPhones worth $7 billion in 2022. As per Bloomberg, the company makes 7% of its iPhones in India. Reportedly, the Wistron plant in Bengaluru owned by Tata will soon begin assembling the iPhone 15.
