Apple is reportedly planning to produce upcoming “iPhone 12” models locally in India that will be ready to ship by mid-2021.
Wistron, one of Apple’s supply chain partners, will handle production at its Narasapura plant in Bengaluru. The Apple supplier completed construction on the plant earlier in 2020.
For the upcoming “iPhone 12” models, Wistron is expected to hire a maximum of 10,000 additional employees and begin manufacturing in October. About 1000 of the current employees of the plant are already working on the project, the Business Standard report.
Apple has gradually increased its production footprint in India as it seeks to circumvent import rights and establish a larger retail presence in the country.
The company’s primary iPhone supplier, Foxconn, already produces iPhone 11 models at a plant near Chennai, India. There are plans to launch the new iPhone SE locally later this year as well.
Although Apple is struggling to establish a strong supply chain in the country, its efforts to support local production are good for Apple in India – one of the largest smartphone brands in the world, although one that Apple has struggled to conquer.
The “iPhone 12” lineup is expected to feature four models, including a new 5.4-inch device and a 6.7-inch device. All four models feature sporty 5G connectivity, Apple’s A14 processor and a new form factor with a square-off design.
One rumor suggests that the “iPhone 12” line will be announced in October, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic postponed Apple’s release plans by a few weeks.
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