iPhone11 units production starts in India

Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn has begun assembly of iPhone11 units in India. The production starts at its Chennai Plant. The first batches of these made in India iPhone11 units are ready for purchase at the local retailers. Before this Foxconn had assembled iPhone XR units last year in India.

In the past, iPhones SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 7 models were locally assembled in the Bangalore plant by Wistron. However, the older models iPhones SE and iPhone 6s have already been discontinued for local production. Meanwhile, the Banglore plant currently assembles iPhone XR units in India.

Made in India initiative has freed Apple from paying 20% of import tax on the phone. This move will considerably lower the price of the smartphone to meet the competitive pricing of other smartphones in the market. It should effectively allow Apple to increase its lead to the premium smartphone market in India.

Meanwhile, some recent reports suggest that Foxconn is planning to invest $1 billion in its Indian manufacturing sites. This new bid will further decentralize iPhone production outside of China.

Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, Apple has been the least impacted smartphone maker in the country. Apple also plans to launch an online store for India in a few months. Chief executive Tim Cook also mentions that Apple is on its way to open its first brick-and-mortar retail store sometime next year.