Is Apple Still Keen on Making iPhones in India?

Apple is keen to set up shop in the country as it will give them access to the world’s second-largest mobile market.

Will Apple finally get the go-ahead? (Photo: The Quint)

It looks like Apple is continuing to explore opportunities to locally manufacture iPhones in India. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Tim Cook and Co are keen on setting up shop in the country, which will give them ease of access to the world's second-largest mobile market.

We already know that the PM Modi-led regime wants to make India a manufacturing hub in the future. The government would like Apple to be a flag-bearer for the Make in India initiative.

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Earlier this year, the government decided to relax certain rules for foreign retailers, which includes the requirement to locally source 30% of goods sold in the stores. Apple has sought incentives from the government to set up a manufacturing unit.

The company asked for exemptions on grounds that it makes state-of-the-art and cutting-edge technology products for which local sourcing was not possible.

The report added that Apple, in a letter to the federal government in November, outlined manufacturing plans and asked for financial incentives.

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Local manufacturing would go a long way in enabling Apple to open retail stores in the country. In addition to that, Apple will be able to sell its locally-made iPhone for less than what you pay right now (custom and excise taxes inclusive of the iPhone price).

Apple has refrained from making in India till now, whereas brands like Samsung and LG have been doing so for many years now. It remains to be seen if Apple’s definite push to make in India helps them reach a wider set of consumers in the country.

This is where Foxconn, the global manufacturer of iPhone and iPad for Apple could play a big role in ensuring Apple gets its way.

(Source: Wall Street Journal)