Apple is all set to launch the iPhone 15 Series this evening, which is September 12. The company is expected to launch four new iPhones, along with a new Apple Watch, and AirPods 3. It is being reported that Apple may offer the Made-in-India iPhone 15 directly on the launch day.
Apple has been manufacturing iPhones in India since 2017. When a new iPhone is launched, the earlier batches sold in India are sourced from China. The Indian-manufactured units usually hit the shelves a couple of months later. However, things are expected to change now as Apple may directly offer locally manufactured iPhones from day one for the first time ever.
Apple Will Offer Made-In-India iPhone 15 on Launch Day
Bloomberg has reported that Apple has been manufacturing the iPhone 15 Series in India, along with China. According to the latest report, Apple is expected to sell Made-in-India iPhone 15 devices in the country from the launch day itself. This is the first time Apple will offer locally-made iPhones on the launch date in India.
Apple is expected to launch four new iPhones today, the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It is worth noting that Apple only manufactures the regular models in India, and the Pro model iPhones are still being made in China.
Apple usually produces the early batches of iPhones in its Foxconn facility in China. Later on, Apple slowly starts manufacturing the latest iPhones in its Indian facilities in Tamil Nadu. However, Apple has been trying to reduce its dependence on China for manufacturing and has been exploring other regions. So far, India has been a great fit for Apple’s plans and vision.
Since 2021, India has produced 7% of the total iPhone volumes sold globally. Apple has been constantly upgrading its Indian facilities to increase iPhone production while cutting down its volume from China. This not only helps Apple to have a new manufacturing hub but also helps them save 20% on import duties while selling locally made iPhones in India.
Apple is looking to manufacture 25% of the total iPhone volume in India by the year 2024. The company is also setting up a new facility in Karnataka which will be ready for iPhone production by April 2024.
Made-in-India iPhones in Apple’s Official Offline Stores
Apple recently opened its own exclusive Apple Stores in India in Mumbai and Delhi. The iPhone 15 will be available to purchase directly from Apple’s Offline Stores. The importance of the Indian market for Apple can be understood as the company will be selling locally made iPhones in its newly launched offline stores, right from day one.
Apple is also planning to open three new offline stores in the country. However, these new stores are expected to be inaugurated in 2026. Apple is also planning to open its biggest offline store in India at the DLF Promenade Mall in New Delhi.
