iPhone 13 starts rolling off Foxconn production line in India as another Apple supplier set to crank out devices this month

Apple Inc | Representative Image

Apple has started production of its flagship iPhone 13 in India at its contract manufacturing partner Foxconn’s plant near Chennai, The Economic Times reported, even as Pegatron begins manufacturing iPhone devices in India this month with the second-largest contract manufacturer for Apple setting a target of producing goods worth more than Rs 8,000 crore locally in FY23.

With the iPhone 13, Apple now makes all its top selling models locally through its two contract manufacturing partners - Foxconn and Wistron. Pegatron, its third partner, is also expected to start production this month.

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This is likely to help deepen the US smartphone major’s presence in the world’s second largest smartphone market and grow its market share to record levels.

As per the report, Apple said in a statement, ''We are excited to begin making iPhone 13—with its beautiful design, advanced camera systems for stunning photos and videos, and the incredible performance of the A15 Bionic chip—right here in India for our local customers.''

Apple started manufacturing iPhones in India in 2017 with iPhone SE, and currently produces iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and now the iPhone 13. For the first time, Apple made its iPhone 13 available to customers in India simultaneously with the US, among other markets.

The developments underline the growing importance of India as a market where the company has been increasing its volume as well as value share steadily in recent quarters, according to analysts.

Widening the local manufacturing expedites the go-to-market strategy for Apple with a better control on the supply chain. It also offers the option of investing cost savings into robust marketing initiatives - through partners, especially during festive seasons - which has contributed to its growing market share, as per experts.

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Pegatron follows the other two iPhone manufacturers — Foxconn and Wistron — that have already begun production under the production-linked incentive scheme (PLI) for smartphones. Currently, more than 70 percent of iPhones sold in India are assembled locally, as per the report.