Apple is fortifying its presence in India by ramping up iPhone production within the country. Over the next 3–4 years, it aims to manufacture 25% of all iPhones in India, spanning across various regions. This move has been confirmed by Rajeev Chandrashekar, the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, through a tweet. Additionally, Chandrashekar highlighted Apple's intentions to enhance its ecosystem by establishing a network of local vendors. In his post, he also wrote, “India is fast becoming a significant player in Global Electronics and Semiconductor Value chains”.
The report also mentioned that the company led by Tim Cook has initiated efforts to construct supply chains. Nevertheless, Foxconn Technology Group and Tata Electronics will remain the primary entities responsible for production within the country. Both companies are also set to expand their manufacturing capacities.
According to the report, up until December 2023, Apple had been manufacturing 14% of its total iPhone production in India, catering to both local demand and exports. The report suggests that Apple aims to elevate this figure to 24-25% by either 2027 or 2028. To date, Apple has manufactured and exported five iPhone models, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 in 2023. Remarkably, the iPhone 15, produced in India, was globally available for sale on its launch day in 2023, marking a first for the country. Notably, Foxconn stands as the primary manufacturer of iPhones in India.
The report further revealed, “JP Morgan analysts had estimated in 2022 that a quarter of all Apple products would be made outside China by 2025, from 5 percent at that time. As of FY24-end, about $14 billion worth of iPhones were made in India, making up 14 percent of the global total”. Apple has recently introduced a new line-up of iPad Air and iPad Pro in India, with prices starting at Rs 59,900 and Rs 99,900 respectively. Additionally, the company has unveiled a new iPad Pro featuring the latest M4 chipset.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar recently shared a video featuring Apple CEO Tim Cook, aimed at uplifting spirits and combating Monday Blues. Chandrasekhar posted a snippet from Tim Cook's 2019 Stanford commencement speech, in which Cook reminds individuals that it's perfectly acceptable to embrace their humanity. He stated, “When your time comes, and it will, you will never be ready. But you’re not supposed to be. Find the hope in the unexpected, find the courage in the challenge, find your vision on the solitary road. Don’t get distracted”.