Apple Begins Training Workers To Produce iPhone Pro Models In India

Apple has reportedly kicked off training many workers at its Tamil Nadu factory to make iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.

The company plans to assemble its premium Pro and Pro Max models of the upcoming iPhone 16 series in India for the first time through partner Foxconn.

According to a report by Bloomberg News, Foxconn will begin assembling these premium devices “within weeks” of the global launch. 

The ‘new product introduction’ (NPI) process for the pro models of iPhone 16 will soon start at Foxconn’s facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Once the models are launched, the process will enter the mass production stage.

Apple’s other manufacturing partners in India—Pegatron’s local unit and the Tata Group—could potentially start producing the Pro versions in the future. Additionally, Apple is expected to make the India-manufactured standard iPhone 16 models available on the same day as the worldwide sale begins.

The company has been gradually increasing its production capabilities in the country over the past few years.

In July, it was reported that Apple was planning to assemble the top-tier Pro and Pro Max models of the upcoming iPhone 16 series in India for the first time. 

Apple’s production in India has grown significantly in recent years. In FY24, the company assembled $14 Bn worth of iPhones in India, constituting 14% of its global iPhone production. Apple aims to increase this to 25% of all its iPhones over the next 3-4 years.

The tech giant has also been exploring the production of other devices in India. There are plans to manufacture iPads through Foxconn, and the company intends to start AirPods production in India early next year.

Apple achieved its highest-ever share in India’s premium smartphone segment (>INR 30,000) in Q1 2024, leading both in value and volume. 

According to a report, this premium segment reached a record 20% share by volume and 51% by value of the overall Indian smartphone market. 

Apple’s success, driven primarily by the iPhone 15 series and strong performance in offline channels, contributed to the broader growth of India’s smartphone market. Overall, the market saw an 8% year-on-year increase in volume and an 18% increase in value during Q1 2024.