Highlights
- The Indian government is considering subsidies for component manufacturers and reducing tariffs to boost local smartphone production.
- India plans to offer $2.7 billion in support for local manufacturing reducing iPhone production costs.
- Apple is aiming for half of all iPhones to be made in India by 2027.
It’s no secret that Apple has been working to reduce dependence on China for iPhone production.
The company has steadily ramped up its production capacity in countries such as India. A new report suggests that India may soon offer significant cost benefits as a push to become a hub for iPhone manufacturing.
The Indian government is reportedly preparing to provide at least $2.7 billion in support for local manufacturing. This initiative could help Apple lower the costs of producing iPhones in the country.
Apple Expanding iPhone Production in India
Apple has been working for years to diversify its manufacturing operations with India emerging as the primary alternative to China. The pandemic underscored the risks of relying heavily on a single location as nearly 80% of the world’s iPhones are produced in China.
Reports suggest that by 2027, half of all iPhones could be made in India. While progress has been steady, significant milestones were achieved last year.
Bloomberg noted in April that about one in seven iPhones were already made in India, although flagship models were slower to be produced there due to their complex manufacturing requirements. However, India began production for iPhone 16 just weeks after the global launch showing a shift in capabilities.
New Indian Government Support On The Way
India has actively encouraged smartphone production through tax subsidies and reduced import tariffs on components. According to Bloomberg, these incentives are expected to expand with formal announcements likely during next month’s budget presentation.
Bloomberg report reveals, “India’s government is considering fresh subsidies for electronic component-makers and cutting tariffs on imports to help boost local manufacturing, especially of smartphones made by companies like Apple Inc.”
“The Ministry of Electronics and IT proposed giving manufacturers of components like batteries and camera parts at least 230 billion rupees ($2.7 billion) in support, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified as the discussions are private. The ministry also recommended reducing tariffs on some electronic components, an industry demand that will help bring down production costs, one of the people said,” the report further added.
This support aligns with Apple’s goals as the company reportedly plans to start production of the upcoming iPhone 17 simultaneously in China and India.
By ramping up its manufacturing footprint in India and leveraging government incentives, Apple could strengthen its global supply chain while reducing production costs.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Indian government’s initiative to support local iPhone manufacturing?
Answer. The Indian government is reportedly preparing to provide at least $2.7 billion in support for local manufacturing. This initiative aims to help Apple lower the costs of producing iPhones in the country.
Q2. What progress has Apple made in diversifying its iPhone production away from China?
Answer. Apple has been steadily increasing its iPhone production in India, aiming for half of all iPhones to be made in India by 2027. Notably, India began production for the iPhone 16 just weeks after the global launch showing a shift in capabilities.
Q3. What specific measures is the Indian government considering to boost smartphone production?
Answer. According to reports, the Indian government is considering fresh subsidies for electronic component-makers and cutting tariffs on imports to help boost local manufacturing. This includes support for manufacturers of components like batteries and camera parts, with at least 230 billion rupees ($2.7 billion) in proposed support.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus to be manufactured (made) in India by Tata Group: Report