Apple Inc. will assemble its high-end iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models in India for the first time, partnering with Foxconn. This move is part of Apple’s strategy to diversify production beyond China. Last year, Apple made the iPhone 15 units built in India available to Indian customers on the first day of global sales. The company not only produced the base iPhone 15 models in India but also started local production of the iPhone 15 Plus through Pegatron.
Sources say Foxconn’s facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, will soon begin the ‘new product introduction’ (NPI) process for the iPhone 16 Pro models and will start mass production once the phone is launched.
Foxconn typically gets first preference for new product manufacturing due to its strong capabilities and deep integration with Apple’s supply chain. Initially, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models will likely be imported, but India-made Pro models will be available within this fiscal year, similar to the iPhone 15 Plus.
According to Counterpoint, Apple holds a 6% share of India’s smartphone market. In 2023, Apple had 23% of the smartphone revenue share, surpassing Samsung’s 21%. Apple shipped over 10 million iPhones in India in 2023, up from 6 million in 2022, securing the top revenue spot for the year.
Apple expects high demand for the iPhone 16 series, set to launch in September. The company is preparing 90 million units of iPhone 16 devices for 2024, which is 10% more than the iPhone 15 series. Apple COO Jeff Williams recently visited China’s manufacturing hub in Shenzhen to discuss the supply chain for the iPhone 16 series launch. Apple is increasing production for the iPhone 16 series, with contractors in China, including Foxconn’s Shenzhen plant, recruiting workers.
