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Apple Expands Partnership with Tata to Handle iPhone and MacBook Repairs in India

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Apple has deepened its collaboration with India’s Tata Group by handing over the repair business for iPhones and MacBook devices to Tata, two sources familiar with the matter revealed. This move underscores Tata’s expanding role in Apple’s supply chain as the U.S. tech giant shifts more manufacturing and operations beyond China.

Tata, which already assembles iPhones and components at three facilities in South India, will take over after-sales repairs from an Indian unit of Taiwan-based Wistron, called ICT Service Management Solutions. The repairs will be conducted at Tata’s Karnataka campus, where it also handles iPhone assembly.

The repair market in India is growing rapidly alongside soaring iPhone sales. Counterpoint Research estimates about 11 million iPhones were sold in India last year, boosting Apple’s market share there from 1% in 2020 to 7% in 2024.

Industry experts suggest this increased trust in Tata could pave the way for Apple to sell refurbished devices directly in India, similar to its practice in the United States.

Currently, Apple’s official service centers in India handle basic repairs, but complex fixes will be routed to Tata’s facility. Wistron’s ICT unit will continue servicing other clients but will no longer handle Apple’s repairs.

India’s rising importance in Apple’s global supply chain is also highlighted by CEO Tim Cook’s recent statement that most iPhones sold in the U.S. during the June quarter will be made in Indian factories. This shift comes amid growing concerns over tariffs and supply chain diversification away from China.

Neither Apple, Tata, nor Wistron responded to requests for comment.

Taiwan’s Wistron Targets Up to $923 Million in Luxembourg Share Sale

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Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Wistron Corp is aiming to raise up to $923 million through the sale of global depository shares (GDS), according to a term sheet reviewed by Reuters. The GDS will be listed in Luxembourg, and trading is scheduled to begin on June 16.

Wistron, a key supplier to Nvidia, plans to issue up to 250 million depository shares priced between $36.20 and $36.93 each. This pricing represents a 4% to 6% discount compared to Wistron’s closing stock price of NT$115 ($3.85) on Thursday.

The company has not issued a public statement regarding the offering as of now. According to the term sheet, proceeds from the share sale will primarily be used to purchase raw materials denominated in foreign currencies—reflecting Wistron’s strategy to better manage currency risks tied to its international supply chain operations.

Expanding U.S. Presence for AI and High-Performance Computing

Wistron’s fundraising comes as it expands its operations to meet surging demand in the high-performance computing and AI sectors. Last month, the company announced that its new U.S. manufacturing facilities—being prepared for customer Nvidia—are expected to be operational next year. The facilities will focus on producing AI-related hardware and high-performance computing products.

The move aligns with Nvidia’s rapid growth in AI-driven technologies, as well as a broader industry shift toward more diversified and localized manufacturing capabilities, particularly in response to global supply chain disruptions.

Additionally, Wistron disclosed that it is actively engaged in discussions with other potential customers to expand its client base in these rapidly growing technology sectors.

Strategic Capital Raising Amid Currency Volatility

By raising funds through the GDS offering in Luxembourg, Wistron is diversifying its capital sources while also mitigating currency fluctuation risks. The global nature of its customer and supplier relationships makes access to foreign currency-denominated funds increasingly critical.

The GDS structure also allows Wistron to tap into a broader pool of international investors, while enhancing its financial flexibility to support ongoing expansion efforts in both manufacturing capacity and technological innovation.

Taiwan’s Compal and Inventec Explore U.S. Expansion in Response to Trump Tariffs

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Taiwanese electronics manufacturers Compal and Inventec are considering expanding their operations into the United States, with Texas emerging as a potential hub. The move comes in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose significant tariffs on global imports, including a potential 25% tariff on Mexican goods, which has raised concerns among Taiwanese companies reliant on North American markets.

Key Points of the Expansion:

  • U.S. Expansion Strategy: Both Compal and Inventec are evaluating the U.S. as a location for investment, with Texas being a prime candidate due to its power infrastructure, proximity to Mexico, and business-friendly environment.
  • Impact of Tariffs: Trump’s proposed 10% tariffs on global imports, along with a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, have prompted Taiwanese firms to consider relocating or diversifying their production to mitigate cost increases and potential trade disruptions.
  • Compal’s Considerations: Compal’s CEO, Anthony Peter Bonadero, mentioned that Texas is a strong contender due to the state’s growing infrastructure, including Samsung’s investment in the area and its unique power grid system.
  • Inventec’s Response: Inventec, which manufactures AI servers using Nvidia chips, is also evaluating U.S. locations, particularly Texas, in anticipation of potential tariff changes. The company is awaiting clarity on the specific decisions Trump will make once in office.
  • Broader Trend Among Taiwanese Companies: Other Taiwanese companies like Wistron have already begun shifting production outside China to countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and the U.S. to safeguard their supply chains against tariffs and trade uncertainty.