Apple is mulling to restart its efforts to produce iPads in India, says a report by Money Control, citing anonymous sources familiar with the company’s plans. This renewed interest is reportedly driven by the Indian government’s initiatives to draw more manufacturing supply chains to the country. The Cupertino-based tech giant might soon begin searching for a new manufacturing partner in India.
Notably, Apple’s previous attempt to partner with Chinese firm BYD for iPad production in India was unsuccessful, in the wake of the government-imposed restrictions stemming from geopolitical issues.
“BYD was almost ready to set up the factory for iPad in India, but clearance was a problem, and the situation has changed significantly now. We are now trying to help (Apple) expand further to grow for the next two to three years. There will be substantial growth,” a senior government was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.
These developments indicate Apple’s continued interest in diversifying its manufacturing base and tapping into India’s growing technology sector, while also aligning with the central government’s push for increased local production of electronics.
The tech giant is currently expanding its manufacturing operations in India, with a particular focus on increasing iPhone production. Simultaneously, the iPhone maker is also working to boost the output of components for AirPods wireless charging cases in the country. This expansion involves collaboration with Jabil, a US-based multinational contract manufacturer that also produces 4G and 5G equipment for Ericsson, a Swedish telecommunications company.
Apple is considering collaborations with either Jabil Inc. in Pune or Foxconn to achieve its goal of increasing local production. As part of its expansion strategy, Apple is also said to be planning the production of its true wireless stereo (TWS) AirPods in India, with manufacturing potentially starting as early as next year, the report further added.
This move would further diversify Apple’s product manufacturing in the country beyond iPhones and components. These plans, if implemented, would represent a significant expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India, potentially covering a wider range of its popular products.