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Apple to Begin Early Manufacturing of iPhone in India with iPhone 17, Says Report

• ByStartupStory     |    October 30, 2024

Apple is reportedly set to initiate early manufacturing work for the iPhone 17 in India, according to a report by The Information. While Apple has previously assembled iPhones in India, this marks the first time that the company will carry out New Production Introduction (NPI) — the early stages of product development — outside of China.

The NPI process is described as one of the most challenging aspects of Apple’s product development. “The whole NPI process includes tweaking the design of the iPhone and testing with different types of equipment and process to ensure iPhone production goes on smoothly,” claims the report. Traditionally, this phase involves extensive development to ensure that production quality and efficiency standards are met, starting as early as October and continuing until May.

Strategic Move for Apple

For Apple, the decision to manufacture in India represents an essential step towards reducing its reliance on China. While China continues to play a critical role in Apple’s manufacturing network, Apple’s diversification strategy signals a shift in confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities.

“This move suggests Apple is looking to diversify its supply chain,” the report notes, highlighting the strategic importance of this development. For India, Apple’s expansion reflects an endorsement of its growing expertise in tech manufacturing. As The Information points out, “What it also does is show Apple’s growing confidence in the Indian manufacturing capabilities.”

Focus on Base Models

The report specifies that Apple will restrict the NPI process to the base model of the iPhone 17 series. While India has previously been involved in assembling iPhones, including the iPhone 16 Pro models, this early manufacturing phase will initially apply only to the base models of the iPhone 17.

With the iPhone 17 series launch expected in approximately 11 months, rumors have surfaced about a special, slimmer model possibly named the iPhone 17 Air, set for a 2025 release. However, Apple’s flagship iPhone 17 Pro models and other high-end variants will still rely on China for their NPI development.

A New Milestone in India’s Manufacturing Journey

India has been steadily emerging as a key manufacturing hub for the tech industry, and Apple’s decision to shift its NPI work is seen as a strong vote of confidence. This move could not only enhance India’s technological ecosystem but also attract other global tech giants to consider India as a viable option for high-level manufacturing work.

 

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