Apple to produce iPhone 15 in India soon after China launch

Apple Inc., the world’s most valuable technology company, is gearing up to produce its latest iPhone 15 model in India, shortly after it starts shipping from China, Bloomberg reported.

The company has entrusted Foxconn Technology Group, its main manufacturing partner, to prepare a plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, to deliver the new devices to the Indian market, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the plans are not public.

The move is part of Apple’s strategy to diversify its production base and reduce its reliance on China, where most of its iPhones are made. The company also wants to tap into the fast-growing demand for smartphones in India, the world’s second-largest market after China.

Apple has been gradually increasing its presence and investment in India, where it started assembling some of its older models in 2017. The company has also opened an online store and plans to launch its first physical retail outlet in Mumbai next year.

The iPhone 15 is expected to be unveiled in September and will feature a new design, a faster processor, an improved camera system, and a longer battery life, according to media reports. The device will also support 5G networks, which are being rolled out in India.

Apple’s decision to produce the iPhone 15 in India is a boost for the country’s efforts to attract more global manufacturers and create more jobs in the electronics sector. The Indian government has offered various incentives and subsidies to lure companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to set up or expand their factories in India.

According to research firm Counterpoint, Apple shipped about 3.2 million iPhones in India in 2022, up 60% from the previous year. The company’s market share was about 4% in the fourth quarter of 2022, behind Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo. However, Apple dominated the premium segment with a 49% share.

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