Cupertino-based tech giant Apple Inc. is expanding its manufacturing business in India. This came after months of heavy speculation that the company is gearing up to capture one of the most sought smartphone markets in the world.
BBC reported that Apple is scheduled to start manufacturing its iconic iPhones in the Southern India state of Karnataka. The country's ministers have announced that the firm would be starting an initial manufacturing operation in April in the location in Bangalore which is considered to be India's tech hub. Meanwhile, the devices will be manufactured in the city's outskirts by Wistron Corp.
According to India's IT minister Priyank Kharge, "Apple's iPhones will be made in Bangalore and all devices will be targeted at the domestic market." The firm is also foregoing Foxconn or the Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Foxconn is considered to be the firm's parther that is more traditional under this deal. And as the production is slated to expand, some partners may also be drafted alongside.
Previously, Apple's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has circled in on India and expressed that the country "is the place to be" in the smartphone industry. The value-conscious country comes next to the overly-saturated, highly-competitive Chinese market. It should come as no surprise that the firm has been quite aggressive in infiltrating the South Asian nation.
GSMArena has added that the tech titan has high aspiration as it kicks off its presence in Bangalore. India is currently the third country to ever get the iPhone manufacturing treatment. Naturally, the imminent Apple expansion to India will undoubtedly result to new jobs and opportunities for the locals and will further flourish the brand within the country.
Apple has yet to confirm whether the negotiation is already a done-deal. But with all things considered, this win-win situation is almost an official expansion for both parties.
