In a strategic move, Apple’s prominent contract manufacturer, Foxconn, is gearing up to initiate the production of the much-anticipated iPhone 15 within the Indian subcontinent.
New Delhi, India: Apple enthusiasts can anticipate a groundbreaking shift in the tech landscape as Foxconn Technology Group, one of Apple’s trusted contract manufacturing partners, prepares to kickstart production for the upcoming iPhone 15. The renowned manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, India, is poised to spearhead the assembly of Apple’s latest flagship devices. This strategic move aligns with Apple’s vision to not only bolster the volume of iPhones manufactured in India but also diversify its production base from China to the Indian market.
The chasm that once separated iPhone assembly timelines between India and China has been dramatically narrowed. A testament to this progress, Apple initiated the manufacturing of the iPhone 14 on Indian soil mere weeks after its global launch in 2022. Joining the ranks of iPhone production in India, manufacturing giants Pegatron and Wistron are poised to follow suit, gearing up to assemble the highly anticipated iPhone 15. Market watchers speculate that Apple is primed to unveil the iPhone 15 on September 12, 2023.
Apple’s commitment to fostering an enhanced manufacturing ecosystem in India is palpable, with the Cupertino-based tech juggernaut amassing a staggering $7 billion worth of iPhone production within the Indian borders in the previous fiscal year. Reports indicate that a noteworthy 7% of iPhones were produced in India this April alone. In the backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics and trade uncertainties between the United States and China, Apple’s pivot towards India emerges as a strategic maneuver to ensure production continuity.
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, characterized the Indian smartphone market as the world’s second-largest, underscoring its colossal potential. Expressing satisfaction with the performance of Apple’s newly established stores, Cook conveyed his anticipation for the untapped growth potential. “While we’ve made promising strides, our market share in the smartphone segment remains modest. This presents a momentous opportunity that we are wholeheartedly dedicated to pursuing,” stated Cook during a recent earnings call.
Foxconn’s association with Apple’s manufacturing operations dates back to 2019 when it commenced producing Apple handsets at its Sriperumbudur facility. In an upcoming milestone, Apple is poised to extend its production portfolio to include AirPods wireless earbuds, which will be manufactured at Foxconn’s state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad. This development marks a significant expansion beyond iPhones, positioning India as a vital hub for Apple’s product ecosystem.
As momentum builds, the Foxconn Technology Group’s Tamil Nadu plant in Sriperumbudur takes center stage, poised to usher in a new era of Apple devices. This strategic initiative reinforces India’s pivotal role in Apple’s global manufacturing landscape while paving the way for an increased volume of iPhones made in the country.