Apple’s contract manufacturing partner Foxconn has now started iPhone 12 assembling in India. This is the only phone from iPhone 12 series that has gone into assembling. That means, other iPhone 12 models (Pro, Pro Max, Mini) will still be imported.
This move shows how India has become an emerging production hub for global smartphone makers. Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus have already been assembling their smartphones and other devices in India. The Indian government has also been offering tax benefits to firms that are selling locally produced items.
Apple began assembling select iPhone models in India back in 207. Slowly, it is increasing production capacity in India. Last year, Apple suffered a setback after a violent protest at a facility in Wistron, but things are normal now.
India is not a big market for Apple because of its high price, but recent results brought a ray of hope. Apple shipped more than 1.5 million iPhone units in India in the 3rd quarter with 100% year-on-year growth. iPhone 11 series and now iPhone 12 series is getting good response from consumers.
Apple is also not chasing a big pie of the Indian market. It is just trying to focus on a small fraction of the population who can spend big on a smartphone. Apple could price locally produced iPhone models a bit cheaper than the imported units. It further helps in getting more sales.
