Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple might initiate a New Product Introduction (NPI) for the standard iPhone 17 in India, marking a significant departure from the tech giant's traditional manufacturing hub in China.
According to Kuo, this will offer a glimpse into Apple's strategic shift and its focus on innovation and diversification in the supply chain.
Apple Revolution in India
Apple's potential decision to launch the standard iPhone 17's NPI in India signifies a strategic move to reduce design risk by opting for a "lower-difficulty design development."
As per MacRumors, this means that the Cupertino giant is seeking newer, but cheaper outlets where iPhones can be manufactured outside China.
While this step positions India as an emerging manufacturing hub for Apple, the Pro models are still expected to continue production in China, retaining the country's position at the top of Apple's supply chain.
iPhone 17 Production Timeline
If all proceeds as planned, the NPI for the standard iPhone 17 is anticipated to commence in the second half of 2024, with a slated release in 2025.
With this, the tech titan is dedicated to expanding the iPhone hub courtesy of Foxconn within India.
Presently, 12-14% of global iPhone shipments originate from India, and Apple aims to escalate this figure to 20-25% by 2024.
"Foxconn's production scale in Zhengzhou and Taiyuan, China, is expected to decrease by 35-45% and 75-85%, respectively, by 2024. In addition to expanding production in India, Luxshare's rapid increase in iPhone order allocation and improvements in production line automation are also the main reasons for the production scale reduction," Kuo says.
What to Expect With iPhone 17
As Apple steers its manufacturing operations towards India, it is also gearing up for potential innovations in its flagship iPhone lineup. While the iPhone 17, slated for a 2025 introduction, is expected to maintain the Dynamic Island cutout, famous display analyst Ross Young hints at a remarkable upgrade, per BGR.
The year 2025 may witness the integration of the Always-On Display and ProMotion features into standard iPhones.
This groundbreaking transformation aligns with Apple's plans to embed the Face ID TrueDepth sensor beneath the panel. As a result, the iPhone 17 Pro could potentially sport an entirely new design, marking a refreshing departure from the Dynamic Island cutout introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro.
Reduced Reliance on China
Apple's venture into shifting iPhone 17 production to India represents a pivotal strategic shift, aimed at reducing its reliance on China.
Even before we see the iPhone 17, we will first see the iPhone 16 hitting the shelves months from now. According to the latest rumor, the iPhone 15 successor will boast a 48MP ultra-wide lens, on top of Wi-Fi 7 support.
Furthermore, it is mentioned in our previous report that it will have a 6.3-inch display. The Pro Max will boast a bigger 6.9-inch screen.
