Highlight
- Alleged iPhone 16 Pro packaging box image revealed online.
- It confirms the rumours that Apple is expected to produce the iPhone 16 Pro models in India.
- Apple reportedly is partnering with Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Group.
- This move is potentially increasing its share of global iPhone production from 14% to 25%.
- Most iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max units assembled in India will likely be exported.
As the official announcement and launch of the iPhone 16 approaches, rumours continue to flood from all corners of the tech industry.
A few days ago, we reported that Apple is expected to produce the iPhone 16 Pro models of the series in India.
If true, this will be a significant shift in the company’s manufacturing strategy.
But is it true?
Well, a recent leak from a Chinese source seems to think so.
A recently leaked photo of an iPhone 16 Pro box label, shared by a leaker known as “OvO” on the Chinese platform Weibo, seems to confirm this move.
The leaked image shows a label with the product name.
It also shows the words “Assembled in India,” signalling a first for Apple’s high-end models.
The leaker, “OvO,” though not well-known, has shared various details about the upcoming iPhone 16 models, including a potential Rose Gold colour option.
This was previously revealed a few days ago in different MoneyControl and Bloomberg reports.
Both agencies revealed citing undisclosed sources that Apple would partner with Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Group to assemble the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max in India.
This follows last year’s move by Apple to assemble the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models in India simultaneously with China.
It was a significant step in reducing the tech companies’ reliance on China for manufacturing.
Foxconn, Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, will lead the production at its facility in Tamil Nadu, India.
This is expected to bolster India’s manufacturing sector, potentially creating thousands of jobs.
“Apple Inc. has started to train thousands of workers at its Tamil Nadu factory to produce the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max as close to the global debut as possible”, Bloomberg News reported on August 20 citing sources.
According to reports, India currently accounts for 14 per cent of global iPhone production, a figure that could rise to 25 per cent as early as next year.
Due to the high prices of Pro models, it is largely expected that demand in India for iPhone Pro models will remain modest.
What this means is that most iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max units assembled in India will likely be exported to international markets such as the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
As we await more details and the official announcement, which is expected in early September, the leaks have confirmed a lot about what to expect from the upcoming iPhone 16 series.
It has already been reported that the iPhone 16 will feature an upgraded chip supporting exclusive AI features along with larger screens for the Pro models.
India-made iPhones to be exported
Most of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max units assembled in India will be exported to markets like Europe, the West Asia, and the United States.
This decision has been taken as the domestic demand in India is lesser for the more expensive models.
The new decision for local assembly in India should increase the share of global iPhone production from 14 to 25 per cent by next year.
Production costs of iPhone 16 to drop by 10 percent
Domestic manufacturing should decrease the production cost of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in India.
The phones have hefty import duties & are more expensive in other markets.
By assembling the devices locally in India Apple is expected to cut prices by up to 10 per cent.
Due to the high cost of components and local taxes, Indian consumers might still pay more than those in other regions.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Foxconn will start the assembly of the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max within weeks of the global launch, in September.
This can be seen as a move to diversify the production away from China.
To that extent, an alleged tear-off tab packaging for iPhone 16 Pro has surfaced on Weibo and this reads, “Designed by Apple in California and Assembled in India.”
But we cannot verify the authenticity of the same at the moment.
Bloomberg report notes that training for thousands of workers has already started at the factory in Tamil Nadu.
Besides Foxconn, Pegatron Corp and Tata Group could also begin assembling the iPhone 16 Pro variants in India soon, as per the report.
This is the first time that Apple is assembling the Pro variants in India as the vanilla models were earlier assembled locally.
iPhone 16 Pro Specs
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FAQs
Q1. What are the expected new features of the iPhone 16 Pro models?
Answer. The iPhone 16 Pro models are rumoured to feature an upgraded chip that supports exclusive AI features, larger screens, and potentially a new Rose Gold colour option.
These enhancements aim to improve performance and user experience.
Q2. Will the iPhone 16 Pro models be assembled in India?
Answer. Yes, for the first time, Apple is expected to produce the iPhone 16 Pro models in India.
This move is part of Apple’s strategy to diversify its manufacturing and reduce reliance on China.
Q3. When is the official announcement for the iPhone 16 Pro expected?
Answer. The official announcement for the iPhone 16 Pro models is anticipated in early September.
Apple typically holds its annual iPhone launch event around this time.
Q4. What impact will the production of iPhone 16 Pro models in India have?
Answer. Producing the iPhone 16 Pro models in India is expected to boost the country’s manufacturing sector, potentially creating thousands of jobs.
It could also increase India’s share of global iPhone production from 14% to 25% by next year.
Q5. Will the iPhone 16 Pro models be available globally?
Answer. Yes, while demand for the high-priced Pro models in India is modest, most units assembled in India will likely be exported to markets in the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Q6. Will iPhone 16 Be More Affordable in India?
Answer. While the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will be assembled in India, the more affordable iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models will also be produced locally, catering to the broader Indian market.
Certain media reports suggest that local assembly should also help Apple cut down the prices of these marquee models by up to 10%.
Last fiscal year, Apple manufactured less than 15% of its iPhones in India, primarily targeting the local market.
However, with the success of local assembly and government incentives, Apple is now confident in expanding production to include its most high-end model, the Pro series.
This shift allows Apple to offer more competitive pricing in India by avoiding high import taxes, contributing to its record $8 billion in iPhone sales in the country last year.
This strategic decision also highlights Apple’s growing commitment to India as both a production hub and a key market for its products.
Q7. Will iPhone 16 Pro Max Be Made in India?
Answer. In another news update on the Apple iPhone 16 series, it is being reported that Apple is shifting its production strategy.
For the first time, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models will be assembled in India at the Foxconn factory in Tamil Nadu.
This move is part of Apple’s broader effort to reduce its reliance on China amidst ongoing trade tensions.
The iPhones assembled in India will not only be sold domestically but also exported to key markets such as the United States and Europe.
A news report claimed that while the iPhones used to have a stamp “Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China” on the back of the handset, the country of origin stamp has now been moved inside the charging port.
Thus, instead of China, some iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max batches will say India inside the USB-C port when placing them face down.
Also Read: iPhone 16 Series Reported To Feature Tetraprism Camera Technology
Also Read: Apple Shares Dip Amid Concerns Over iPhone 16 Demand and Market Outlook
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