Finally, the Cupertino-based electronics giant has begun the initial production of a small number of iPhone sets in India. A Taiwanese contract manufacturer named Wistron has concluded its trials for assembling iPhones in India at its facility near Bangalore. The iPhone maker has decided to plunge into the second fastest growing smartphone market in the world. The Made in India iPhones could hit the Indian market as early as this week. However what is not clear is the price tag which the device will bear though experts opine that it could be cheaper by about $100. Earlier it was reported that Apple would be making iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE. It is now learned that Apple has completed the initial production of a limited quantity of iPhone SE models.
Aggressive foray into Indian smartphone segment
Samsung continues to dominate the nation’s smartphone market with a large share of 27% with Xiaomi and Vivo tied at second position with 12% share. Apple accounts for a paltry 3% in India. OOne of the reasons for the weak sales could be the stiff import duties on iPhones before they are sold in the country. The latest ploy by Apple means that Apple has finally come of age and decided to manufacture its products in the country.
Apple under pressure, searching new possibilities
Apple is under pressure from Chinese device makers who have slowly eroded its traditional market with products which are as endowed as Apple products but at a lesser price tag. iPhone sales in China is declining, and it reported a 14% fall in sales in Greater China. This has forced it to look for new and developing markets. Apple CEOO admits that it has underestimated the potential of Indian markets and also said that it is in discussion with the government to set up retail stores in India.
It will be a great achievement ever since PM Modi announced his “Make in India” initiative. India has set making itself an attractive destination for global manufacturers, and Apple’s entry could mean a confirmation of its credentials as the future elite global manufacturing hub.
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