Key Points:
- Apple has ramped up iPhone production in India, signifying efforts to diversify its manufacturing base amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and China.
- India now accounts for approximately 14% of Apple’s iPhone production, doubling the output from the previous year.
- Pegatron, Foxconn, and Wistron are among the key manufacturers contributing to Apple’s increased production in India.
- Despite facing challenges in China, Apple remains focused on fostering growth and innovation in emerging markets.
In a strategic move, Apple bolstered its iPhone production in India, signaling a significant shift in its manufacturing strategy. This development, highlighted in a recent Bloomberg report, underscores the tech giant’s ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on China as tensions persist between the United States and China.
Amidst escalating geopolitical uncertainties, Apple has proactively diversified its manufacturing base by expanding operations in countries such as Vietnam and, notably, India. Historically reliant on China for its manufacturing needs, Apple’s newfound focus on India reflects a broader trend among multinational corporations seeking to mitigate risks associated with concentrated supply chains.
The report reveals that Apple has substantially increased its iPhone production in India, accounting for approximately 14% of its total output, marking a twofold increase from the previous year. Pegatron, one of Apple’s key manufacturing partners, has contributed around 17% of these devices, with Foxconn and Wistron assembling the majority and the remainder, respectively.
This manufacturing surge in India aligns with Apple’s strategic engagements at the highest levels of Indian leadership. In June 2023, Apple CEO Tim Cook, alongside other tech executives, met with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the immense potential that the Indian market presents. Apple’s commitment to the region was further underscored by the inauguration of its first retail stores in the country the previous year.
While China remains a pivotal market for Apple, recent sales data suggests a challenging landscape. Reports from Counterpoint Research indicate a 24% decline in iPhone sales in China during the initial six weeks of 2024, partly attributed to intensifying competition from domestic smartphone manufacturers like Huawei.
