While ‘Made in India‘ iPhones have been available, it’s no secret that most of the development and manufacturing has occurred in China. However, Apple is now contemplating a significant move that could change this landscape, with plans to develop the iPhone 17 in India. Here’s what this potential shift means for Apple and its consumers.
A Genuine ‘Made in India’ iPhone
Prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted at Apple’s plan to relocate the new product introduction (NPI) for the standard iPhone 17 to India, thereby replacing China as its primary production hub. This transition is anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2024, with the official launch scheduled for the second half of 2025.
The decision to develop only the standard iPhone model in India is attributed to the relative simplicity of its design, which reduces design-related risks. Currently, only the standard iPhone models are assembled in India.
Apple’s aspiration is to boost the global share of ‘Made in India’ iPhones to 20-25% by 2024, a significant increase from the current 10-14% of global shipments. Additionally, Apple aims to reduce its production in China’s Zhengzhou and Taiyuan facilities by 35-45% and 75-85%, respectively.
This development follows the announcement that Tata is set to manufacture iPhones in India after acquiring the Wistron production plant in Bengaluru. This transition is expected to occur within the next two years, raising the likelihood that Tata will entirely produce the iPhone 17 in India, challenging Foxconn’s dominant share of 75-80% in iPhone production in the country.
This shift has the potential to position India as a more prominent market for Apple and could eventually lead to the local production of all iPhone models. Such a transition could offer some financial relief to Indian consumers as it may lead to a reduction in costs. Currently, Indian users contend with approximately 40% in taxes, including customs and GST, which might see a reduction.
It’s important to note that the details shared by Kuo are not official, so we should approach this news with caution. This transition is still a couple of years away, and time will tell how it unfolds. Keep an eye out for updates, and feel free to share your thoughts on this exciting development in the comments below!