Apple to Manufacture Upcoming iPhone Variants in Tamil Nadu

Apple is set to begin manufacturing its high-end iPhone Pro models in India for the first time this year, marking a notable shift in its operations. According to Bloomberg, Apple's manufacturing partner, Foxconn, will start assembling the new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max at its facility in Tamil Nadu. This production will commence shortly after the global launch in the autumn, with Foxconn already preparing thousands of workers to meet the timeline.

This move highlights India's growing significance in Apple's global strategy. Since 2021, Apple has been ramping up its manufacturing in India, benefiting from financial incentives provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government aimed at attracting high-tech production. One potential benefit of local production is a reduction in prices for Indian consumers, who currently face high import taxes on iPhones. By manufacturing locally, Apple could potentially lower prices by up to 10 percent compared to imported models.

Despite this, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to remain more expensive in India than in some other markets due to the high costs associated with importing advanced parts and local taxes. Most of the locally produced iPhone Pro models will be exported to regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and the US, as the current demand in India for these premium devices is relatively low. However, demand may increase during the upcoming festive season.

India is becoming an increasingly important market for Apple, with annual sales approaching a record $8 billion. Experts predict that this could rise to $33 billion by 2030 as more Indians opt for high-end products. Apple's decision to manufacture the iPhone Pro models in India underscores its commitment to the country and its belief in India's potential as both a manufacturing hub and a significant market.