Apple Inc.’s much-anticipated iPhone 15 is taking a new direction in production. As the tech giant endeavors to balance its manufacturing operations between India and its primary hub in China, the upcoming model is reportedly entering the production phase in Tamil Nadu, India.
Indian Facility Takes the Lead
Foxconn Technology Group’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu is gearing up to play a pivotal role. It is set to dispatch the latest iPhone units shortly after their initial release from Chinese factories, as sources familiar with the matter have reported.
A Global Shift in Manufacturing Strategy
Apple’s move aligns with a larger initiative to diversify its manufacturing beyond China. This strategic shift aims to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly in light of trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, which have added uncertainty to global trade dynamics.
India’s Growing Prominence in Manufacturing
India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, has been actively fostering its relationship with the United States while positioning itself as a key manufacturing hub. This has led to heightened interest from tech giants like Apple to expand their operations within the country.
Synchronization and Challenges
While the goal for the current year is to align shipment schedules between India and China, achieving this aim remains uncertain for suppliers. Those providing insights on this matter have chosen to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the information.
Factors Influencing Production Scope
The extent of iPhone 15 production in India hinges on various factors, including the availability of components sourced mainly through imports. Additionally, the seamless scaling up of production lines at the Foxconn facility near Chennai will play a pivotal role, according to reports.
Advancements in the Upcoming iPhone 15
Anticipated to be unveiled around September 12, the iPhone 15 signifies a significant advancement after a three-year gap. Enhanced camera systems across all variants and an upgraded 3-nanometer A16 processor for the Pro models highlight the new features.
Revitalizing Sales and Global Markets
The forthcoming iPhone lineup is seen as instrumental in revitalizing sales, as Apple navigates diminishing sales in key markets like the US, China, and Europe.
Wider Scope for Assembly
Apart from Foxconn, other Apple suppliers in India, such as Pegatron Corp. and a Wistron Corp. facility being acquired by the Tata Group, are also expected to commence iPhone 15 assembly, as reported by Bloomberg.
