In October last year, Google unveiled its plans to begin manufacturing Pixel smartphones within India.
Now, nearly 10 months later, Google has fulfilled that promise, with the first batch of Made in India Pixel 8 devices rolling off the production lines.
The local manufacturing is currently limited to the Google Pixel 8 and does not include the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a.
When Google hosted its ‘Google for India’ event last October, the company made a significant announcement to support the Make-in-India initiative. Google unveiled its plans to begin manufacturing Pixel smartphones within India, aligning with the nation’s push for domestic production. Now, nearly 10 months later, Google has fulfilled that promise, with the first batch of Made in India Pixel 8 devices officially rolling off the production lines.
“Excited to announce that the first of our Made in India Google #Pixel8 devices have started rolling off the production lines,” the tech giant announced on X (formerly Twitter). “Grateful for the partnership with Hon’ble Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw as we look forward to bringing the #TeamPixel experience to people across India.”
Also read: Made by Google 2024 event: When, where, and how to watch Pixel 9 launch live
Excited to announce that the first of our Made in India Google #Pixel8 devices have started rolling off the production lines 🥹
— Google India (@GoogleIndia) August 12, 2024
Grateful for the partnership with Hon'ble Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw as we look forward to bringing the #TeamPixel experience to people across India 🤝 pic.twitter.com/6nKvvcyFkj
The company confirmed to TechCrunch that the local manufacturing is currently limited to the Google Pixel 8 and does not include the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a.
Google has not yet revealed its local manufacturing partners. However, sources told TechCrunch that Google’s global partner, Compal, has teamed up with India’s Dixon Technologies to assemble the Pixel 8 models locally.
Also read: Google loses landmark antitrust case, ruling says it broke law to maintain online search monopoly
New Delhi has been urging global electronics brands to manufacture devices locally in India, aiming to compete with China and other major manufacturing hubs. The Indian government has set aside billions of dollars in incentives, offering cashbacks and subsidies to companies that choose to produce their products within the country.
In addition to Google, both Apple and Samsung manufacture their devices in India, catering to the local market and exporting to various emerging regions. Chinese companies like Xiaomi and Oppo also have domestic production facilities to meet local demand. However, the export volume for these companies has remained relatively small.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
