For the first time, Apple is using a factory in India to carry out initial production for an iPhone model.
According to The Information, Apple is expanding its reliance on India as a manufacturing hub as the company is using it to carry out initial production for iPhone 17 models.
The initial production phase of a new iPhone model typically runs from May to
October, during which Apple looks to turn the design prototypes it makes in Cupertino into mass-produced products.
iPhone 17 has entered initial production.
iPhone 17 has entered initial production.
It’s worth noting that Apple has previously relied solely on China during this period.
While the company has been manufacturing iPhones in India for some time and began manufacturing Pro models in the country this year,
this initial phase of manufacturing in India represents a shift in the company’s strategy.
The increased reliance on India also reflects Apple’s confidence in the capabilities of local engineers,
who are tasked with complex tasks in the product development cycle,
including tweaking designs, materials, and testing manufacturing processes.
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In addition to the iPhone 17, if all goes well, Apple is expected to continue initial production of other models in India in the coming years.
But it's still a long way from Apple officially launching the iPhone 17.
But it's still a long way from Apple officially launching the iPhone 17.
The news comes shortly after a Bloomberg report said that exports of iPhones made in India rose by a third in the six months to September 2024.
Apple currently has three suppliers in India, including Foxconn Technology Group, Pegatron Corp and Tata Electronics.
It should be noted that while initial iPhone production typically takes place between May and October,
it will take months before the product goes into mass production for official release in September of next year.
