Apple starts iPhone 16 Pro production in India, marking a new era – iPhone

According to a recent report by BloombergFoxconn, Apple’s main manufacturing partner, has already started training workers at its factory in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

The move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing outside of China. The Cupertino company began assembling iPhones in India in 2017 with the first-generation iPhone SE, and has gradually expanded production to newer models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14.

However, so far, the Pro models of the iPhone series have been manufactured exclusively in China. The expected production of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max in India – which will be announced in September – is a milestone for both Apple and the Indian manufacturing sector.

The New Product Introduction (NPI) process is a complex, multi-stage undertaking, from initial concept to final production. Foxconn’s worker training suggests Apple is preparing for this process in India, with the goal of starting assembly “within weeks” of the global launch of the new models.

While there were previous reports that the locally assembled iPhone 16 Pro could be available in stores from day one of sale, current information suggests that this may not be possible. However, starting production so soon after the global launch is a significant step forward.

Apart from Foxconn, Apple’s other Indian manufacturing partners like Pegatron and Wistron (now owned by Tata) are also expected to start producing the iPhone 16 Pro models later. This is indicative of a broader strategy by Apple to boost its manufacturing capacity in India.

The move to manufacture flagship iPhone models in India reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to reduce its reliance on China as a major manufacturing hub. Moreover, the move could have significant implications for the global technology supply chain and cement India’s position as an emerging hub for high-tech electronics manufacturing.