Reports suggest that Foxconn may take two to three years to start making phones in India, beginning with assembly units.
Apple may have asked its largest manufacturing partner, Foxconn, to explore the possibility of manufacturing smartphones in India within the next two to three years. Sources have told Economic Times, “There's definitely interest. When Tim Cook was here, the government raised the issue of making in India. It is after that that Apple started thinking of doing something in India which is long term.” A separate source told the publication that Foxconn may take two to three years to make phones in India, with assembly being the first step. Further, the source added that no time span has been discussed yet.
Manufacturing devices in India may not only allow Apple to make its devices cheaper for Indian customers, but also let it launch iPhones in the country, sooner. When it was launched in India, prices for the iPhone 6s started at Rs. 62,000, while prices for the iPhone 6s Plus started at Rs. 72,000. Any chance for a reduction in price would be most welcome by consumers, and Foxconn already has a manufacturing plant in India.
Apple seems to have increased focus on India. A few months ago, the company announced the opening of a new office in Hyderabad where it would focus on the development of Maps. The company said that the investment would accelerate the development of Maps, and create up to 4,000 jobs. The facility would be located on the Waverock campus, and will offer employees an LEED-certified place to work.
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