Tech giant Apple is poised to release its highly anticipated iPhone 15 series in India simultaneously with its global launch, media reports have said. This may happen due to a host of factors, including increased manufacturing in India, surging demand for iPhones in the country and government initiatives to bolster domestic electronics production.
Along with the iPhone series, the major US company is expected to launch Apple Air Pods and new generation watches during its “Wonderlust” event on September 12. Recent reports suggest that the iPhone could become available in India either on the same day of the global launch or within a few days.
The Production Factor
One of the driving factors behind this rapid availability is the localized manufacturing of iPhone 15 models in India. Many of these devices have been produced in Apple’s Chennai factory in Tamil Nadu. This move mirrors the successful strategy employed for the iPhone 14, which saw India-made units hitting the market within just 10 days of the global launch.
Apple is producing and exporting iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 14+ models from India through its three contract manufacturers which are Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron Corp.
However, India now accounts for 7% of Apple’s global production, a remarkable increase from less than 1% before 2021. In the 2022-23 financial year, Apple manufactured over $7.5 billion worth of iPhones in India, with approximately $5 billion exported, making Apple the country’s leading mobile phone exporter.
This manufacturing boost in India has also contributed to the country’s overall mobile phone exports, which exceeded $11.1 billion, representing a remarkable 91% increase over the previous financial year.
With Foxconn already in production mode for the iPhone 15 in its Chennai plant, any delay in making these devices available to Indian consumers is expected to be minimal. This development follows Apple’s ambition to reduce the time lag between global and Indian launches, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience.
In light of these developments, Apple’s goal is to manufacture 25% of the iPhones sold worldwide in India by 2025, reinforcing the country’s position as a crucial market for the tech giant. India has already become the fifth-largest iPhone market globally, and Apple’s expansion plans, including the recent launch of its first two Apple stores in Mumbai and Delhi, demonstrate its commitment to tapping into India’s growing consumer base.
Additional Reasons
The Indian government has been actively encouraging the local manufacturing of electronics, including smartphones, through schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI). This has resulted in the creation of domestic jobs and the growth of India’s electronics manufacturing sector. It should be noted that in December 2022, Apple became the first company to export $1 billion in smartphones from India.
The government initiatives are aimed at positioning India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing. Central government’s policies offer attractive incentives to eligible companies, spurring further investment in the sector. Similarly, the government is also working to improve the infrastructure for manufacturing in India, such as roads, ports, and power supply.
Growing Demand in India
The demand for iPhones in India has been growing rapidly in recent years. According to industry experts, this is due to a number of factors, including the increasing disposable income of Indians, the growing popularity of online shopping, flexible EMI options on e-commerce sites and the improving distribution network of Apple in India.
As Apple fans eagerly await the official launch of the iPhone 15 series at the “Wonderlust” event today, the prospect of having these devices available in India almost immediately is undoubtedly a cause for excitement and anticipation among Indian consumers.
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