Apple Plans to Manufacture Over 50 Million iPhones Annually in India Within 2-3 Years

Apple is preparing to shift a significant portion of its iPhone production to India, signaling a significant shift in its global manufacturing landscape.

The tech giant, along with its key suppliers, has announced plans to increase annual iPhone production to more than 50 million units within the next 2-3 years, with further expansion expected beyond this timeframe.

Apple Moves Production Away from China

This move marks a pivotal moment for Apple, aiming to diversify its manufacturing hubs beyond China, a region historically integral to its production.

With an eye on India, Apple seeks to mitigate challenges posed by restrictive labor regulations and escalating US-China tensions, factors that have increasingly hindered operations in China.

Earlier this year, the Indian Trade Minister announced that Apple intends to manufacture more of its products in India, with the goal of producing around 25% of all its products in the country. According to Reuters, some analysts believe that the company's goal of producing 25% of its products in India could be met by 2025.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple's strategic alliance with suppliers, particularly Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group, aims to ramp up production significantly in India.

The plan involves the construction of new plants and the expansion of existing facilities, projecting an annual capacity of 50 to 60 million iPhones within the specified timeline.

India's emergence as a key manufacturing hub for iPhones would significantly impact global production, accounting for a quarter of the total iPhone output.

Notably, this shift emphasizes the tech industry's broader trend of diversifying supply chains away from overdependence on China, aiming to explore manufacturing opportunities in South and Southeast Asia.

India's Future

While China will retain its status as the largest iPhone producer, Apple's heightened focus on India indicates a strategic reorientation. Challenges persist, including infrastructure limitations and labor regulations, presenting hurdles compared to China's established manufacturing ecosystem.

However, Apple's investment and commitment signal confidence in India's potential as a manufacturing powerhouse.

The cornerstone of this ambitious plan lies in Foxconn's investments and proposed plant constructions. The imminent launch of a Foxconn facility in Karnataka, set to initiate operations in April, targets an annual output of 20 million mobile handsets, primarily iPhones. Discussions on an additional megaplant are underway, showcasing the commitment to expand production capacity further.

Moreover, Apple's decision to include India in the manufacturing stage for lower-end iPhones by 2025 signifies a deeper integration of the country into its global supply chain. This new product introduction stage, previously exclusive to China, underscores India's evolving role in Apple's manufacturing strategy.

Apple's foray into India's market extends beyond manufacturing. The recent launch of retail stores and collaborations with local conglomerate Tata reflect the tech giant's commitment to establishing a comprehensive presence in the country.

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(Photo : Tech Times Writer John Lopez)