Apple shifts iPhone 17 manufacturing to India; Reduce reliance on China

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Apple shifts iPhone 17 manufacturing to India; Reduce reliance on China

Apple shifts iPhone 17 manufacturing to India; Reduce reliance on China

Industry News
Nov 06,24

While this change currently applies only to the standard iPhone 17 model, the premium iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and rumored iPhone 17 Slim will continue their NPI processes in China.

Apple shifts iPhone 17 manufacturing to India; Reduce reliance on China

Apple is making a strategic move to start early manufacturing of its iPhone 17 in India, marking a departure from its longstanding reliance on China for key production stages. According to well-known Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple analyst, Apple’s “New Product Introduction” (NPI) process for the iPhone 17 will be conducted at an Indian facility, a first for the company. The NPI stage is critical, transforming prototype designs into detailed blueprints for mass production.

While this change currently applies only to the standard iPhone 17 model, the premium iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and rumored iPhone 17 Slim will continue their NPI processes in China. This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify its supply chain to mitigate risks associated with overreliance on China. Apple has traditionally managed this phase in China due to its strong supply chain ecosystem, but shifting to India is part of a broader strategy to build a resilient, adaptive global supply network.

Apple plans to move roughly 25% of its iPhone production to India, expanding beyond standard models to include high-end devices. This year, for example, the iPhone 16 Pro was assembled in India for the first time, reflecting the success of India as a production base. Apple’s investment in India has shown promise, with Bloomberg reporting $6 billion in iPhone exports from the country over the past six months.

Early NPI efforts for the iPhone 17 indicate Apple’s commitment to meticulous planning, starting nearly a year before launch to ensure smooth production. While specific details of the iPhone 17 remain undisclosed, leaks suggest that Apple’s diversification will continue, potentially bringing more shifts in design and manufacturing as it strengthens its global operations and competitive stance.

(Firstpost)