Apple began manufacturing iPhone14, its latest flagship in India. Here’s everything you need to know about the new development.
Apple starts iPhone 14 manufacture in India
On Monday, Apple confirmed reports that have been circulating in the media for a few weeks. “The new iPhone 14 lineup introduces groundbreaking new technologies and important safety capabilities. We’re excited to be manufacturing iPhone 14 in India,” stated the firm. According to reports, the made-in-India iPhone 14 will not only be sold locally but will also be exported.
Foxconn, a Taiwanese firm, is currently manufacturing all Apple devices at the Sriperumbudur plant. The plant is located outside Chennai, a major city in south India.
Apple began working with local suppliers in August to speed production before the official announcement.
According to reports, Apple is planning to shift 5% of its global iPhone 14 production to India by the end of the year. According to JP Morgan analysts, the company has maintained its ambitious target of manufacturing 25% of all iPhones in India by 2025.
More on the location changes
A combination of supply chain issues due to the pandemic and extreme power cuts in China is making the manufacturing environment difficult in China. Hence, Apple decided to diversify its manufacturing process.
A confluence of these circumstances compelled Apple to take the decisive step of diversifying its options. By producing the iPhone 14 in India around the same time as in China, the Cupertino-based company hopes to close the gap and bring it on par with China for future models. Previously, Apple produced the iPhone 13 models in India six to seven months after it was released.
“We set June quarter records in the Americas, in Europe, and the rest of the Asia Pacific region. We also saw June quarter revenue records in both developed and emerging markets, with very strong double-digit growth in Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam and a near doubling of revenue in India,” stated Tim Cook.
The manufacturing process also aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s call of ‘Make in India’. Other initiatives of the firm include a first-of-its-kind app design and development accelerator in Bangalore. Its programs with local organizations help support renewable energy developments.