As iPhone sales soar in India, Apple deepens its partnership with the Tata Group, entrusting them with after-sales repair operations—a move set to strengthen Apple’s local supply chain and customer support network.

Key Highlights

Tata to take over iPhone and MacBook repairs from Wistron’s Indian unit

Repair operations to be based at Tata’s Karnataka facility

India becomes increasingly central to Apple’s global strategy

Apple sold over 11 million iPhones in India in 2023

Potential groundwork for refurbished iPhones in India

Tata Group Strengthens Role in Apple’s India Operations

In a major development, Apple has expanded its collaboration with India’s Tata Group by assigning them after-sales repair duties for iPhones and MacBooks. This move, reported by Reuters, signifies Apple’s growing reliance on Indian partners as the tech giant continues to diversify its supply chain away from China.

Tata will now manage complex device repairs previously handled by ICT Service Management Solutions, a Wistron subsidiary. These services will be conducted at Tata’s iPhone assembly facility in Karnataka, where the group already produces iPhones for both domestic and global markets.

Apple’s Bet on India Grows Stronger

This development is part of Apple’s broader vision to establish India as a central hub in its global operations. As geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties influence manufacturing strategies worldwide, Apple has ramped up efforts to build a resilient and diversified supply chain.

In 2023, Apple’s iPhone sales in India touched 11 million units—up from 1 million in 2020—securing a 7% market share, according to Counterpoint Research. This surge in demand has underscored the need for a robust local service ecosystem, prompting Apple to entrust Tata with a larger role.

The Future of Repairs and Refurbished Devices

According to analysts, Apple’s growing confidence in Tata could pave the way for refurbished Apple devices in India. The US-based company already sells certified refurbished iPhones in select global markets, and India might soon follow suit.

“Tata’s deepening partnership with Apple could also pave the groundwork for Apple directly selling refurbished devices in India, like how it does in the United States currently,” said Prabhu Ram, VP at CyberMedia Research.

With Tata taking the lead in advanced repair operations, basic services will continue to be handled by Apple’s existing network of authorized service providers in India.

Wistron’s Exit: A Gradual Transition

While the transition from Wistron’s ICT unit to Tata is still in progress, the Taiwanese firm will continue to support non-Apple clients in India. Neither Apple nor Wistron has issued official comments on the shift, and Tata has also declined to respond publicly.

Apple’s India Push: A Long-Term Commitment

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated that the majority of iPhones sold in the US in the upcoming quarter will be made in India—a strong indicator of India’s growing significance. The partnership with Tata is not just operationally strategic but also a reflection of Apple’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.

By leveraging Tata’s robust manufacturing and service capabilities, Apple is building a self-sustaining ecosystem in India—covering production, servicing, and possibly soon, the refurbished device market.

Conclusion

Apple’s latest decision to partner with Tata for iPhone and MacBook repair services in India marks a crucial evolution in its India strategy. As the country emerges as both a manufacturing powerhouse and a rapidly growing consumer base for Apple products, the collaboration signals stronger localization and customer support. With possibilities of refurbished device sales and end-to-end service management, India is now firmly in Apple’s global spotlight.