Apple has two manufacturing factories in India, Foxconn in Chennai and Wistron in Bengaluru. The Cupertino-based tech giant currently makes the iPhone XR at Foxconn and the iPhone 7 at its Wistron plant. Now, according to a report by Economic Times, Apple has started production of its 2019 flagship iPhone 11 at Foxconn plant. The move is a major boost to the government’s Make in India initiative.
Also Read: Apple to reportedly start assembling iPhone SE (2020) in India soon
This is the first time Apple is making a premium offering in the country, and reducing its manufacturing dependence on China. Local production of iPhone 11 would also help Apple save 20 percent tax on imports.
Apple begins making iPhone 11 in India
The iPhone 11 is the first premium iPhone to be made in India
Apple started local assembly of its smartphones in India way back in 2017 with the original iPhone SE. The iPhone XR is the most recent device to be manufactured in India. The report, claims that Apple may increase the production of iPhone 11 in phases and may even export the India-made model.
The move allows the company to take advantage of benefits under the government’s production linked incentive (PIL) scheme. It’s worth noting that Apple hasn’t slashed the prices of its iPhone 11 as it still sells China-made models in the country. However, industry experts hint at the possibility in the near future. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also tweeted that Apple’s move is a significant boost to Make in India.
India has become an important market for smartphone makers and this has attracted Apple. The company is also reportedly planning to expand its manufacturing in India. It’s supplier Foxconn is set to invest $1 billion in the country. Apple’s other manufacturer Pegatron has recently registered a subsidiary in the country.
Last month we had reported that Apple plans to assemble its 2020 iPhone SE at Wistron factory where the original iPhone SE was produced as well.