Apple will begin manufacturing iPhones in India by the end of April according to the counties Information Technology Minister
Speaking to Bloomberg, India’s Information Technology Minister, Mr Priyank Kharge has confirmed Apple will begin manufacturing iPhones in Bangalore, the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state by April 2017, adding that the state shall help Apple in the future if they wish to further expand their manufacturing operations in the region.
Discussions surrounding the “Made In India” program have been on-going for months, with Apple recently suggested to of been negotiating a ‘wish list’ comprising of a 15-year exemption on customs duty, with government officials speaking to The Wall Street Journal following a meeting with the California tech giant on Wednesday, with representatives calling many of Apple’s demands “workable.”
Currently, India has a lot of growth opportunity for Apple. – With it’s rise in the middle class and ever growing population, this market could potentially be a goldmine for Apple. Apple, alongside other retailers, must source 30% of its components locally, though Bloomberg claim the country is relaxing those rules so technology companies can operate stores for three years before meeting that requirement.
“Apple’s iPhones will be made in Bangalore and all devices will be targeted at the domestic market.”
Apple’s intentions to make iPhones in Bengaluru will foster cutting-edge technology ecosystem & supply chain development in the state.
— Priyank Kharge (@PriyankKharge) February 2, 2017