Apple plans iPhone 17 early production in India
This is believed to be Apple's strategy to diversify its iPhone supply chain and reduce dependence on China.
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Apple is reportedly using an Indian factory to begin early manufacturing work for the iPhone 17 base model. (Photo: HWZ)
Apple's strategy to diversify its iPhone supply chain from China hits another new milestone.
Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told The Information that Apple plans to use an Indian factory to start early manufacturing work for the base model iPhone 17.
This is said to be the first time Apple has started the early manufacturing work for a base iPhone model outside of China.
Early manufacturing work, which involves converting a prototype designed in the US to a product that can be produced in mass quantities, reflects Apple's confidence in India as a major manufacturing partner.
The early manufacturing work for the other iPhone 17 models – iPhone 17 Pro and the rumoured iPhone 17 Air – will reportedly remain in China.
India has been making steady progress in securing more iPhone orders from Apple. Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that about 1 in 7 iPhones was assembled in India.
While the initial stage was riddled with challenges, India managed to resolve them. Now, some iPhone 16 Pro models are being assembled in India for the first time.
If the early manufacturing work for the base iPhone 17 model proceeds smoothly, Apple may shift more iPhone production out of China to minimise its dependence on China.
Source: The Information via 9to5Mac
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