It seems Apple is taking a page out of Google’s playbook. We all know that Google has been gearing up to manufacture its Pixel devices in India. But guess who’s joining the party? Yep, you guessed it – Apple.
While Google is still prepping for its trial production in India, Apple is already making big moves. They’re reportedly expanding their manufacturing in the country to include iPads and AirPods charging cases, joining their already booming iPhone production. It’s a big deal, especially considering that one out of every seven iPhones is now made in India.
Why the shift? Well, with rising geopolitical tensions, it’s no surprise that Apple is looking to diversify its manufacturing base. While China remains their main hub, India’s attractive financial incentives and growing workforce make it an appealing alternative.
The Indian government is certainly celebrating this development, as Apple’s presence is expected to create a massive number of jobs. So far, this initiative has reportedly created a staggering 150,000 direct jobs at Apple’s supplier facilities in India. It’s a win-win situation for both Apple and India, boosting the country’s economy and helping Apple reduce its reliance on China.
In India, Apple currently manufactures iPhone models from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 15, excluding the Pro and Pro Max models. These devices are mainly for export, as Apple holds about a 6% market share in India, competing with budget-friendly Chinese smartphones.
While Google’s Pixel production in India hasn’t officially kicked off yet, things are definitely moving forward. Recent reports indicate that Google is gearing up for trial production of its “lower-tier” Pixel devices in India, with full production slated to begin in September, just after the Pixel 9 line phone announcement on August 13. Interestingly, most of these India-made Pixels will be exported to the EU and US.
Stay tuned for more updates on Google’s Pixel production in India, and keep an eye out for those “Made in India” iPads.
Featured image: Apple