Apple plans iPhone 17 manufacturing in India from H2 2024

iPhone 17 production in India: Apple is reportedly planning to begin manufacturing the iPhone 17 in India in the second half of 2024, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This move is seen as a strategic shift to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for accurate predictions about Apple, anticipates that India may be the first country globally to start producing the iPhone 17, with a projected launch by 2025.

Key facts pointed out by Ming-Chi Kuo:

• Apple's manufacturing partners, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and the Tata Group, are expected to be involved in the production of the iPhone 17.
• The shift in production locations is partly driven by ongoing political tensions between the US and China, leading Apple to consider reducing its operations with Foxconn in China.
• Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple could scale down its operations with Foxconn in Zhengzhou and Taiyuan in China by 35-45 per cent and 75-85 per cent respectively by 2024.
• If all goes according to plan, India's share in iPhone manufacturing could increase to 20-25 per cent by 2024, offering a diversified supply chain.
• Tata Group's recent acquisition of Wistron's manufacturing unit has further strengthened Apple's relationship with the Indian government, potentially accelerating its expansion and streamlining manufacturing processes in the country.

Apple has set ambitious goals for its operations in India, and the localisation of manufacturing processes has already started showing positive results, with strong iPhone sales during the recent festive season. 

Apple's India business revenues in FY23 witnessed a substantial 48 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year, highlighting the company's growing presence in the Indian market. Other Apple vendors, such as Foxconn and Pegatron, have increased their production processes in India as part of this broader strategic shift.