Made in India iPhone 15: Foxconn starts production in Tamil Nadu

Ahead of the launch of its next-generation iPhone 15, Apple Inc. has started the production of this latest phone in Tamil Nadu, giving a push to make in India initiative.

According to a Bloomberg report, the move comes as Apple’s efforts to diversify its manufacturing from China and also to narrow the gap between its India operations and manufacturing in China.

It is believed that a Foxconn Technology Group plant in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur is getting ready to deliver the upcoming iPhone only weeks after they start shipping from factories in China, since the Cupertino, California-based company aims to increase the volume of new iPhones from India.

It should also be noted that during his recent visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Apple chief Tim Cook, an indication that the company seeks to build closer business ties with India.

It wasn’t until iPhone 14 that Apple started producing its phones in India. Apple till then did only a fraction of iPhone assembly in India, reportedly it lagged China’s output by six to nine months.

The delay in production was reduced last year due to increased production in India. According to the report, Apple produced 7 per cent of iPhones in India at the end of March.

Even in the situation of producing iPhone 15 in India, it is unlikely that the company will be able to match its timings with China, since the scale of production will depend on the availability of components that are largely imported.

It is also expected that other Apple suppliers in India – Pegatron Corp and a Wistron Corp factory – will also soon assemble the iPhone 15.

It should be noted that Apple earlier this month reported its longest sales slump in decades due to low demand for smartphones, computers, and tablets worldwide.

Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, has also said that it expects 2023 sales to fall. It has said that most of its main business segments, including smartphones, will contract “slightly” this quarter and over the entire year.

Apple is expected to launch the latest series of iPhone 15 on September 13. The latest offering by the company is likely to be the biggest iPhone update in the last few years.

The upcoming iPhone 15 is expected to come with USB Type-C charging, faster processors, and a nearly-bezel less display.

Apple fans should also expect a much higher price range for iPhone 15 Pro models.