Soon, Apple may start assembly of high-end iPhones in India
In a fresh development, Reuters has reported that Apple may soon expand its assembly line and start the production of top-of-the-line iPhones in India. The media outlet has learned from sources that the Cupertino giant plans to start the assembly of high-end iPhones in 2019. And, the work is said to be conducted at the Tamil Nadu-based plant of Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn. Here's more.
High-end iPhones to be manufactured
Though there are hardly any details, sources have confirmed that Foxconn, which already manufactures Xiaomi phones, will make high-end iPhones. For this, the company will invest Rs. 25 billion to expand its plant located in the Sriperumbudur town in Tamil Nadu, MC Sampath, Industries Minister of the state, told Reuters. He added that the move will create as many as 25,000 jobs.
Apple and Foxconn declined to comment
The news is definitely interesting, but so far, none of the involved parties have commented on the matter. Apple declined to comment directly, while Foxconn claimed it doesn't comment on matters related to its current or potential customers, or their products. Notably, it also remains unclear if the production of iPhones would remain limited to assembly or any components would also be manufactured.
Still, local iPhone production could be a game changer
If this report turns out to be true, Apple could become a major player in the world's fastest-growing smartphone market. It already manufactures low-cost iPhone 5SE and 6S models in Bengaluru and drives more than half of its sales from models older than iPhone 8. As such, a plant for high-end models could be its way to make devices like iPhone X more affordable.
