Aug
Apple Inc. is planning to start assembling its upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models in India soon after the launch, according to a report by Business Standard. This move is part of the tech giant’s strategy to diversify its manufacturing base beyond China.
Why India?
India has been a key market for Apple, with the country’s smartphone market growing rapidly. By assembling the iPhone 16 Pro models in India, Apple aims to tap into this growing market and reduce its reliance on China, which has been facing trade tensions with the US.
Manufacturing Plans
Apple‘s manufacturing partner, Foxconn, has already set up a plant in Tamil Nadu, India, where it assembles lower-end iPhone models. The new iPhone 16 Pro models will be assembled at the same plant, the report said.
Benefits for Apple
Assembling the iPhone 16 Pro models in India will provide several benefits for Apple. Firstly, it will help the company to avoid the 20% import duty imposed by the Indian government on imported smartphones. Secondly, it will enable Apple to take advantage of the Indian government’s ‘Make in India‘ initiative, which offers incentives to companies that manufacture products in the country.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the benefits, there are several challenges that Apple may face while assembling the iPhone 16 Pro models in India. One of the major challenges is the lack of a robust component ecosystem in the country. Apple will need to import most of the components from China, which could increase the cost and complexity of the manufacturing process.
Conclusion
Apple‘s decision to assemble the iPhone 16 Pro models in India is a significant move towards diversifying its manufacturing base. While there are several benefits associated with this move, there are also challenges that the company needs to address. As the Indian smartphone market continues to grow, Apple‘s decision to manufacture high-end iPhone models in the country could help the company to gain a larger market share.
