Apple has announced that it has started assembling its flagship iPhone 14 in India.
This is the first time that Apple is not only producing its latest model entirely in India but also has started the process of shifting production away from China.
Foxconn, Apple’s main iPhone assembler, is manufacturing iPhone 14’s at its Sriperumbudur factory on the outskirts of Chennai. The company said in a statement:
“The new iPhone 14 lineup introduces groundbreaking new technologies and important safety capabilities. We’re excited to be manufacturing iPhone 14 in India.”
Apple is following in the footsteps of other larger tech firms such as Google, Yahoo, LinkedIn and others who are moving away from China.
The Cupertino has been manufacturing iPhones in India since 2017 but these were usually older models.
Apple is planning to sell India-produced iPhone 14s, which start at 79,900 rupees (AUD 1500), locally as well as export them to international markets.
It is reported that India customers will be able to buy iPhone 14 devices in the next few days.
Analysts believe that by 2025, Apple could make 25% of all iPhones in India and try to increase its market share from 3.8% in India which is the world’s second-largest smartphone market.