📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
Apple is reportedly considering resuming preparations for manufacturing its iPads in India, encouraged by the government’s efforts to attract more supply chains into the country. The company is said to be looking for a new manufacturing partner after facing obstacles with its previous attempt with China’s BYD. According to sources, a senior government official revealed that Apple has ambitious plans for the Indian market over the next 2-3 years, including the prospect of manufacturing laptops and desktops in the country.
Last year, Apple redirected its iPad product development focus to Vietnam due to challenges in setting up manufacturing operations in India. However, current indications suggest a shift back towards India. In addition to iPads, Apple is scaling up its production capabilities for iPhones and planning to enhance the manufacturing of components for AirPod wireless charging cases through Jabil in India.
The tech giant is also gearing up to initiate production of TWS (true wireless stereo) AirPods in India from early next year. Parts of the wireless charging cases for AirPods are already being produced in Pune through Jabil. The company may extend its production collaborations to Foxconn as well, as it aims to address both export and domestic demand.
Apple’s goal is to expand its manufacturing footprint in India with an ambitious target of manufacturing 25% of all iPhones in the country over the next 3-4 years. This marks a significant increase from the current 14% production level. As part of this strategy, Apple is working on building a network of local vendors to reduce its dependence on Chinese suppliers.
The company’s efforts to localize production in India have been gaining momentum, with exports of over $2 billion worth of iPhones in the first two months of the current financial year. Apple has also been successful in capturing a substantial share of smartphone revenue in India, outperforming rival Samsung in terms of shipments and market share. With plans to further strengthen its foothold in the country, Apple’s resurgence in the Indian manufacturing landscape is poised to reshape the tech industry’s dynamics in the region.
