Apple has announced that it will begin producing iPhones in India in a bid to secure the interest of consumers in the world’s second-most populous country.
What do you do when China is loosing interest in the iPhone and other regions around the world have reached smartphone saturation? If you’re Apple or Tim Cook, you simply pack up and begin producing handsets in India.
Alright – perhaps that’s a gross simplification. Apple announced today that it, in conjunction with its manufacturing partner Wistron, will begin producing iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s models at a new plant in Bangalore. The company further announced that it will add the iPhone SE to that roster with three months.
Read: Apple’s iPhone 8 could channel the design of its original handset
A spokesperson confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that “Almost all preparations have been done for launching Apple’s first phase project in Bangalore through Wistron”, indicating that the Cupertino company is ready to begin its first push into India.
The move comes amidst several developing factors; Apple is facing heavy competition in China from local brands such as Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi, and considering US President Donald Trump’s tumultuous relationship with the company, things could become a great deal worse.
In Europe and North America smartphone saturation is prevalent, and brand loyalty has been contested between iOS and Android for years. India remains an emerging market of notable interest for Apple, though the company has only been able to make limited moves in the territory thanks to the premium, pricey nature of its handsets.
Thus, Apple’s bid to produce iPhones in India (and older models, at that) will enable the company to reach a plethora of new consumers with devices that have as much as $100 USD off their price tag.
Apple has reportedly sought many tax breaks in exchange for its participation in the Indian economy, though the Indian government has reportedly remained resolute as negotiations continue.
Read: Apple’s premium iPhone could be called Edition, and launch with a $1000+ price tag
What are your thoughts? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
