Apple Has Begun Preparing Its Employees to Manufacture iPhone Pro Models in India

Nitin Konde, Apoorva Bajj

Aug 21, 2024 — 2 min read

Apple Has Begun Preparing Its Employees to Manufacture iPhone Pro Models in India

Thousands of workers at Apple's Tamil Nadu facility have reportedly begun training in order to manufacture the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max as near to the worldwide debut as feasible.

An esteemed media outlet revealed in July, citing sources, that Apple Inc. intends to employ its partner Foxconn Technology Group to manufacture the top-of-the-line Pro and Pro Max models of the forthcoming iPhone 16 series in India for the first time.

The 'new product introduction' (NPI) procedure for the pro variants of iPhone 16 will shortly begin at Foxconn's site in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Once officially announced, mass manufacturing will begin. Given its expertise and extensive integration into Apple's supply chain, Foxconn usually receives priority on new production.

Pegatron’s India Unit and Tata Group Will Be Part of Manufacturing Process

'Within weeks' of the global launch, Foxconn will begin the process of assembling the premium gadgets. It is possible that Apple's other partners in India, like as the Tata Group and the India unit of Pegatron, will also begin manufacturing the Pro models.

When the iPhone 16 goes on sale around the world, it is anticipated that Apple would make the made-in-India standard version of the device available to consumers. Apple has extended the manufacture of its flagship iPhone products in India by utilising Foxconn and Tata Electronics as additional manufacturing partners.

Manufacturing of iPads and AirPod to Be Included in Future

According to information obtained by a media report, Apple may also resume preparations to manufacture iPads in India through Foxconn.

It was also reported on July 8 that Apple is working towards raising the production of components for AirPod wireless charging cases through the contract manufacturer Jabil in Pune. Additionally, it is possible that Apple would also seek to increase production with Foxconn. Early in the next year, it is possible that production of Made in India AirPods will begin.

Apple Diversifying Beyond China

Apple is gradually expanding its operations beyond China in order to mitigate the risks associated with the tensions that exist between Beijing and Washington. Despite this, the great majority of iPhones are still manufactured in China.

As a result of this effort, Apple was able to manufacture $14 billion worth of iPhones in India for the fiscal year that ended in March 2024. This figure represents as much as 14% of the company's total output worldwide. Similarly to the previous year, it is anticipated that Apple will make the ordinary iPhone 16 manufactured in India available on the same day that the most recent generation of the iPhone begins selling all over the world, according to the individuals.