Apple is expected to launch four new iPhones this year, and there have been numerous rumors and leaks regarding the hardware specifications and features of the upcoming iPhone 15 series. A recent report suggests that Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate, has acquired Wistron’s Indian production line and will assemble two of the four iPhone 15 models in India.
Tata Group’s partnership with Apple will be a significant step towards strengthening the tech giant’s presence in India, which is currently the world’s second-largest smartphone market. The company has been seeing growth in terms of volume and revenue in India year-on-year. Despite this, Apple only holds a 5% share in the Indian smartphone market.
What We Know So Far
According to the TrendForce report, Foxconn, Pegatron, and Luxshare will manufacture the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, while the Tata Group will assemble the baseline iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models. Foxconn will be responsible for producing almost 70% of all iPhone 15 models for Apple, followed by Luxshare and Pegatron. Tata Group will only assemble 5% of Apple’s 2023 iPhone models, making it the fourth contract manufacturer for Apple after Foxconn, Pegatron, and Luxshare.
Foxconn and Pegatron will manufacture the iPhone 15 Pro models, with Foxconn producing 70% of the units and Pegatron manufacturing the remaining 30%. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, will be produced by Foxconn and Luxshare. Foxconn will assemble 70% of the Pro Max models, and Luxshare will make 25% of the highest-end iPhone.
What This Means for India
Tata Group’s acquisition of Wistron’s production line will result in India’s largest conglomerate manufacturing the iPhone 15 series, providing employment opportunities and promoting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. This move could be a pilot project for Apple, and if it goes as planned, it could pave the way for the Tata Group to manufacture a higher percentage of iPhones in 2024.
Final Thoughts
Apple has been reiterating the importance of the Indian market to the company. To strengthen its position in the Indian smartphone market, Apple has opened two Apple Stores in India, one in Mumbai’s BKC and the other in New Delhi’s Saket area. With Tata Group’s partnership, Apple can further strengthen its hold in the Indian market while supporting India’s economy by providing employment opportunities.
