iPhone 16e Production Begins in India for Domestic and Global Markets: Report
Apple’s latest entry-level iPhone, the iPhone 16e, was unveiled last week as the successor to the iPhone SE (2022). According to a recent report, assembly of the device has officially begun in India ahead of its scheduled sale on February 28. This move marks a significant expansion in Apple’s local manufacturing efforts, with the iPhone 16e being produced not only for Indian consumers but also for export to other global markets.
iPhone 16e Production in India
As per a report by the Economic Times, Apple has confirmed that the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16e, is now being assembled in India. This marks another step in Apple’s strategy to reduce dependency on China and strengthen its supply chain diversification. The decision aligns with the Indian government’s push for local manufacturing under its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which encourages global tech giants to set up assembly plants in the country.
Expansion of Apple’s Manufacturing in India
While Apple has been assembling standard iPhone models in India for years, the company only recently expanded production to its premium ‘Pro’ models. Historically, iPhone Pro models were exclusively assembled in China through partnerships with Taiwanese manufacturers such as Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron. However, with the iPhone 16 series, Apple has started assembling some Pro models in India for the first time, marking a shift in the company’s long-term production strategy.
Implications for Local and Global Markets
The move to assemble the iPhone 16e in India is expected to bring price benefits to Indian consumers, as locally manufactured models could potentially avoid high import duties. Additionally, it strengthens Apple’s export capabilities, positioning India as a key global manufacturing hub for iPhones. As Apple continues to scale up its production in India, analysts believe this could further encourage the company to expand its local supplier ecosystem, potentially leading to more job creation and investment in the country’s tech sector.