Apple’s India Plans: A New Era of Manufacturing and Growth

In a significant development, Apple may start manufacturing its iPads in India, as per a recent report by Moneycontrol. This move comes after the company’s previous attempts to partner with China-based BYD failed due to political tensions between the two nations. The report cites sources, stating that BYD was close to setting up a factory in India but faced clearance issues, which have since been resolved.

The Indian government is keen to encourage Apple to expand its production in the country, with a senior official revealing that there are “big plans” to manufacture laptops and desktops in India over the next two to three years. Apple has already increased production of iPhones in India and plans to boost production of wireless charging cases for its AirPods, which are currently being exported to China and Vietnam. The company is looking to partner with Jabil Inc. in Pune or Foxconn to achieve this goal.

Furthermore, Apple aims to start producing true wireless stereo (TWS) AirPods from next year, as per the report. Notably, the company has not responded to queries regarding this development, and Livemint could not independently verify the report.

India’s ambition is to become a global hub for Apple’s production, with the company aiming to manufacture a quarter of its iPhones in the country over the next three to four years. To achieve this, Apple is building a network of local vendors instead of sourcing inputs from Chinese suppliers. The company has already begun work on building supply chains, with Foxconn and Tata Electronics set to scale up their manufacturing capacities.

One of the sources, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that India is an important market for Apple. Currently, the company is producing 14% of its total iPhone production in India, which is being supplied locally and for exports. Apple plans to increase this to 24-25% by the end of 2027 or 2028. This development is significant, as it indicates Apple’s growing commitment to the Indian market and its potential to become a major manufacturing hub for the company.

Key Points:

• Apple may start manufacturing iPads in India
• The company is looking to partner with Jabil Inc. in Pune or Foxconn
• Apple aims to increase production of iPhones in India to 24-25% by 2027 or 2028
• The company plans to manufacture laptops and desktops in India over the next two to three years
• Apple is building a network of local vendors instead of sourcing inputs from Chinese suppliers
• India aims to become a global hub for Apple’s production

Why is this news important?

• Apple’s decision to manufacture in India could lead to job creation and economic growth in the country
• The move could also reduce the company’s reliance on Chinese suppliers
• India’s ambition to become a global hub for Apple’s production highlights the country’s growing importance in the global technology industry

Historical Context:

Apple has been expanding its manufacturing presence in India over the past few years, with a focus on producing iPhones and other products locally. In 2017, Apple announced plans to manufacture iPhones in India, and since then, the company has been increasing its production capacity in the country. In 2020, Apple began manufacturing AirPods in India, and in 2021, the company started producing iPads in the country. This latest development, if confirmed, would mark a significant expansion of Apple’s manufacturing presence in India, with the company potentially producing a wider range of products, including laptops and desktops.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Apple may start manufacturing iPads in India, following failed attempts to partner with China-based BYD due to political tensions.
• The Indian government is keen to encourage Apple to expand its production in the country, with plans to manufacture laptops and desktops over the next two to three years.
• Apple aims to increase production of iPhones in India to 24-25% by 2027 or 2028, up from the current 14%.
• The company is building a network of local vendors instead of sourcing inputs from Chinese suppliers.
• Apple plans to start producing true wireless stereo (TWS) AirPods from next year.
• India aims to become a global hub for Apple’s production, with the company potentially manufacturing a quarter of its iPhones in the country over the next three to four years.
• The development is significant, as it indicates Apple’s growing commitment to the Indian market and its potential to become a major manufacturing hub for the company.

Why is this news important?

• Apple’s decision to manufacture in India could lead to job creation and economic growth in the country.
• The move could also reduce the company’s reliance on Chinese suppliers.
• India’s ambition to become a global hub for Apple’s production highlights the country’s growing importance in the global technology industry.

This news is significant because it indicates Apple’s growing commitment to the Indian market and its potential to become a major manufacturing hub for the company. The move could also lead to job creation and economic growth in the country, as well as reduce Apple’s reliance on Chinese suppliers. Additionally, India’s ambition to become a global hub for Apple’s production highlights the country’s growing importance in the global technology industry.