Apple is in talks with Wipro Enterprises and Lakshmi Machine Works to strengthen its Indian supplier network. The company aims to expand its presence in India, the world’s second-largest smartphone market.
Sources told Economic Times that these companies will manufacture parts for Apple products, including iPhones and MacBooks. If the deal is finalized, the two companies will contribute to Apple’s growing production in India.
Expanding Indian Supplier Ecosystem
Apple has been increasing its supplier network in India to boost local production. The company has partnerships with Tata Group, Motherson Group, Aequs, Foxlink, and Sunwoda. These partnerships help Apple add more value to its products and enhance local manufacturing.
The company also started talks with Bharat Forge to add the Kalyani Group as a vendor. These moves show Apple’s commitment to strengthening its operations in India.
Leveraging Government Incentives
The Indian government is considering a new production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics. The scheme has an estimated outlay of INR 23,000 crore. By working with local suppliers, the company aims to reduce operational costs and take advantage of this incentive.
Local iPhone Manufacturing and Exports
Apple is ramping up local manufacturing in India. The company has started assembling the new iPhone 16e locally. It assembles older models, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14, for both domestic and export markets.
iPhone exports from India surpassed INR 1 lakh crore last year. Shipments reached $12.8 billion, marking a 42% increase from 2023.
India: A Key Market
India has become a crucial market for Apple in recent years. During the October-December quarter, Apple posted record sales in the country. The iPhone was the top-selling smartphone in India during this period.
Apple opened two retail stores in Delhi and Mumbai in 2023. The company plans to open four more stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai.
Strengthening Manufacturing Capabilities
Apple also launched a new subsidiary called Apple Operations India. The subsidiary will handle research, design, and testing. It will also support third-party manufacturers in the country.
Apple’s growing presence in India highlights the country’s importance to the company. As production and sales increase, India will remain key to Apple’s strategy.
