Apple To Start Manufacturing iPhone 16 Pro, Pro Max Models In India This Year

As Apple continues to increasingly distance itself from China and boost its production in India, the Cupertino-based tech giant is reportedly set to begin manufacturing iPhone Pro and Pro Max models in the country, starting with iPhone 16 series, as early as this fiscal year, with Foxconn handling the production.

So far, only non-Pro models have been produced locally. 

“This year, Apple will manufacture the Pro and Pro Max models in India to make sure the India-assembled iPhone 16 Pro models are available in the country after the launch,” a source was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

Sources told Moneycontrol that Foxconn’s facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, will soon start the ‘new product introduction’ (NPI) process for the pro models of iPhone 16 and will enter mass production stage once the phone is launched.

The source further said that Foxconn typically receives first preference for new product manufacturing due to its extensive capabilities and deep integration within Apple’s supply chain.

This development builds on Apple’s existing operations in India. Last year, India-built iPhone 15 series were available to the customers on the first day of global sales. Apple assembled $14 Bn worth of iPhones in India during FY24, constituting 14% of its global iPhone production.

Apple currently holds a 6% share of India’s smartphone market. 

In 2023, the company accounted for 23% of the smartphone revenue share, surpassing Samsung’s 21%. Apple shipped over 10 Mn iPhones in India in 2023, up from 6 Mn in 2022.

For the upcoming iPhone 16 series, expected to launch in September, Apple anticipates high demand. The company is preparing 90 Mn units for 2024, 10% more than the iPhone 15 series. Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams recently visited China’s manufacturing hub, Shenzhen, to discuss the supply chain ahead of the iPhone 16 series launch.

Apple has aggressively increased production of its flagship iPhone devices in India through Foxconn and Tata Electronics. Tata, which acquired Wistron operations, is acquiring Pegatron’s India operations, including an iPhone manufacturing plant near Chennai and another under-construction unit.

Beyond iPhones, Apple is exploring production of other devices in India. The company is considering manufacturing iPads through Foxconn, encouraged by the government’s push to attract more supply chains. Apple plans to start AirPods production in India early next year, with efforts to increase production of components for AirPod wireless charging cases through US-based contract manufacturer Jabil in Pune.

Apple aims to manufacture 25% of all its iPhones in India over the next 3-4 years, up from the current 14%.