In a significant development, Tata Group is set to commence the production of Apple iPhones in India, catering to both the domestic and global markets. The Indian government says this will happen within the next two and a half years. The announcement came from India's Electronics and Technology Minister, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighting the country's growing manufacturing capabilities and representing a notable shift in Apple's production strategy.
Minister Chandrasekhar expressed the government's support for the growth of Indian electronics companies, emphasizing their potential to become trusted partners for global electronic brands looking to manufacture in India. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of establishing India as a global electronics powerhouse.
Tata Group's entry into iPhone production comes on the heels of its acquisition of the operations of Apple supplier Wistron Corp, which was confirmed during a recent board meeting. The move was praised for building a global supply chain in India, led by Indian companies.
India's importance to Apple's diversification strategy has grown significantly, with the country's government offering financial incentives to boost local manufacturing. Apple's decision to expand beyond China, particularly amid the trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, underscores India's role as a crucial hub in the company's supply chain diversification.
The acquisition of the Wistron Corp factory in Karnataka comes nearly after a year of negotiations. This development not only enhances India's standing in the global electronics manufacturing landscape but also strengthens Tata Group's position as a key player in the production of one of the world's most iconic consumer devices, Apple's iPhones.
In 2017, Apple started iPhone production in India for the first time with the iPhone SE. The units were assembled by Wistron at its Bengaluru plant. This marked the beginning of the company's gradual expansion in the country, and since then it has been manufacturing iPhones in India. Subsequently, in 2018, Apple initiated the production of the iPhone 6s, followed by the iPhone 7 in 2019. The iPhone XR and iPhone 11 were also later assembled at Foxconn’s Chennai plant. The other versions such as the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 are also manufactured in the country.
The company recently launched the iPhone 15 series which was made in India. It is also worth noting that Apple recently expanded its business in the country and opened its first physical retail outlets in Delhi and Mumbai last month. Apple CEO Tim Cook attended both inaugurations and even met with PM Narendra Modi to discuss Apple's plans in India.
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