Apple Plans to Launch a Few iPhone 15 Models Manufactured in India on the First Day of Global Sales

Apple intends to make a limited number of iPhone 15 models manufactured in India available on the first day of global sales, marking a significant shift in the company’s production strategy.

While the majority of iPhone 15 devices are still produced in China, this move highlights India’s growing manufacturing capabilities and signifies a departure from Apple’s previous strategy of primarily selling Chinese-manufactured devices to customers worldwide.

The new iPhone 15 is expected to go on sale in India and other regions in the coming days or weeks following its official unveiling, Apple began production of the iPhone 15 last month at the Foxconn facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

This move is another step by the tech giant to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing and align its operations more closely with its presence in India.

Although the Indian-manufactured iPhone 15 may experience minor delays due to unexpected logistical challenges, Apple is taking steps to establish a production foothold in India.

Apple’s products have historically been delayed by six to nine months compared to Chinese-manufactured versions, however, in the past year, this gap has significantly narrowed to just a few weeks, as Apple’s suppliers in India have ramped up production.

In March, Apple increased the proportion of iPhones assembled in India to 7%, with plans to move 25% of its production to the country, this shift has been facilitated by financial incentives from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at promoting local manufacturing.

For Apple, India is becoming increasingly important as it looks beyond China, especially amid the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China.

The iPhone 15 is expected to be the most significant update to the device in three years, featuring potential camera system upgrades and enhanced processors manufactured using 3-nanometer technology for the Pro models.

This new lineup is crucial for revitalizing Apple’s declining sales, as the company announced a third consecutive quarter of sales decline in August, largely driven by lukewarm consumer demand in key markets such as the United States, China, and Europe.

Apple, which opened its first retail store in India this year, sees the fast-growing Indian market as both a retail opportunity and a vital long-term production base for its devices.