Apple initiated the iPhone 15 production at a Foxconn Technology Group facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu last month.
In a groundbreaking move, Apple Inc. is poised to launch its India-assembled iPhone 15 in India and select global markets on the device’s debut day, according to insider sources. Although the majority of iPhone 15 units will be manufactured in China, this marks a significant shift from Apple’s prior strategy of primarily selling newly launched Chinese-made iPhones around the world. The iPhone 15 is expected to be available for purchase shortly after its unveiling, on Tuesday.
Apple initiated the iPhone 15 production at a Foxconn Technology Group facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu last month. This development is yet another step in Apple’s efforts to bridge the gap between its Indian operations and its primary manufacturing centers in China.
While the iPhone 15 assembled in India may encounter minor delays due to unforeseen logistics challenges, this development underscores India’s growing production capabilities. Apple has not yet provided an official comment regarding this matter.
Previously, only a small percentage of Apple’s global output was assembled in India, with Indian production lagging behind China by six to nine months until last year, when this delay was significantly reduced to just weeks. By the end of March, Apple had increased the proportion of iPhones assembled in India to 7%.
This transformation is largely attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s incentives aimed at bolstering local manufacturing and Apple’s strategy to diversify beyond China amidst trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. India has thus become increasingly integral to Apple’s diversification efforts.
The iPhone 15, expected to be unveiled shortly, is anticipated to be the most substantial update to the device in three years. Notably, it will be the first Apple smartphone to adopt the widely accepted USB-C port for wired charging, in response to new European Union legislation mandating this transition by the end of 2024. Additionally, the device will feature camera system upgrades across the range and an enhanced 3-nanometer processor in the Pro models. These enhancements are critical for revitalizing Apple’s sales, which have faced declines due to soft consumer demand in key markets.
In addition to Foxconn, other Apple suppliers in India, including Pegatron Corp. and a Wistron Corp. facility soon to be acquired by the Tata Group, are likely to commence iPhone 15 assembly. Apple’s interest in India extends beyond production; it views the fast-growing market as both a retail opportunity and a significant production hub for its products in the long term. In the quarter ending in June, iPhone sales in India achieved double-digit growth, setting a new record.
As Apple appears to unveil the iPhone 15 and potentially redefine the narrative surrounding its manufacturing capabilities, India’s role in the company’s global operations continues to expand. This move signifies not only Apple’s commitment to diversifying its supply chain but also India’s emergence as a manufacturing powerhouse on the global stage.
The inclusion of India in the launch of the iPhone 15 underscores the country’s growing significance in Apple’s global strategy. While China will remain the primary manufacturing hub for the iPhone, India’s role in the production process is becoming increasingly prominent. Apple’s shift towards greater reliance on Indian manufacturing reflects a broader trend in the technology industry, where companies are looking to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependence on a single country, such as China. As the iPhone 15 makes its debut, India’s manufacturing capabilities will be on full display, marking a milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a manufacturing powerhouse on the global stage.