Apple to make iPads and Pro iPhones in India as China+1 strategy expands
Apple is preparing to manufacture iPads and Pro model iPhones in India for the first time as it continues to increase its manufacturing capacity there.
The company is rapidly diversifying its approach to manufacturing with its China +1 strategy. Reflecting growing political tensions between China and the US and subsequent to supply chain challenges as Covid first emerged, the company has been making manufacturing more resilient by using multiple factories in two or more nations. In India, this effort was confined to iPhones, but iPad and Pro iPhone manufacturing is now entering the frame.
The Apple tablet hits India
The Economic Times tells us that Foxconn plans to expand its manufacturing operations in India by commencing iPad assembly at its factory in Tamil Nadu. Discussions for the new factory have already begun, and it is thought it could begin production in late 2025.
If true this will be a major step, as until now Apple has also seemed to want to keep product manufacturing widely diversified, with plans in Thailand, Vietnam and elsewhere churning out its products. Apple partner Corning is also on track to commence production at its factory, also in Tamil Nadu, in the latter half of 2025.
March of the Pros
Apple has only made standard iPhones in India until now, but this seems set to change. The company reportedly plans to commence manufacturing of the high-end iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models in the country. The company also wants to build market share in India.
Manufacturing of the new high-end iPhones will take place at Foxconn’s factory in Tamil Nadu, the report claims. The factory is about to enter the New Product Introduction process to build out its manufacturing line for these devices. Apple currently makes 14% of its global output of iPhones in India and this is expected to continue to increase. The target is 50% over the next three years, local reporting has said.
Building up the business
Apple’s work in India is paying dividends. Revenue jumped 33% across the last year,, reaching $8 billion. This may increase following Apple’s move to lower iPhone prices in India as it passed on savings it made in some component costs following India’s relaxation on tariffs on some of those.
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