Apple is set to start manufacturing its iPhone 16 Pro models in India, marking a significant shift as the company expands its local production capabilities. Production of these flagship models is expected to begin within this fiscal year, with Foxconn handling the manufacturing process.

Until now, Apple’s local production in India has primarily focused on non-Pro models. According to a source, the decision to produce the iPhone 16 Pro locally aims to increase the availability of these high-end models in the Indian market. Despite this move, it is anticipated that the prices of the India-assembled iPhone 16 Pro models will remain comparable to those of imported units.

Last year, Apple made iPhone 15 units assembled in India available to Indian consumers on the first day of global sales. This year, the company plans a similar strategy for the iPhone 16 series, although initial availability may see the Pro and Pro Max models imported until local production ramps up.

Foxconn’s facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, will begin the 'new product introduction' process for the iPhone 16 Pro; transitioning to mass production once the new phone is officially launched. Initially, the iPhone 16 Pro models will likely be imported, but India-made units are expected to become available later in the fiscal year, following the precedent set with the iPhone 15 Plus.

Apple currently holds a 6% share of the Indian smartphone market and accounted for 23% of the market’s revenue in 2023, surpassing Samsung. The company shipped over 10 million iPhones in India in 2023, up from 6 million in 2022. With high demand anticipated for the iPhone 16 series, Apple plans to produce 90 million units of the iPhone 16 for 2024, marking a 10% increase from the iPhone 15 series.

In India, Apple has significantly ramped up production through partnerships with Foxconn and Tata Electronics. Tata, having acquired Wistron’s operations, is also taking over Pegatron's Indian operations, including an iPhone manufacturing plant near Chennai. Apple aims to increase its India production share to 25% of all iPhones over the next 3-4 years, up from the current 14%. Additionally, Apple is considering resuming iPad manufacturing in India and plans to start AirPods production in the country early next year.

(Source: Moneycontrol & BusinessLine)