Is Apple Boosting Manufacturing in India with iPhone 17 to Achieve Record Sales This Festive Season?

New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) Apple is accelerating its manufacturing efforts in India by distributing the production of the iPhone 17 across five local factories, with availability starting from September 19. Analysts indicate that this festive season is poised to set new sales records for the US-based giant.

Industry sources suggest that Apple will produce fewer units of the 'Pro' models in India.

Foxconn has commenced the rollout of iPhone 17 units at its new $2.8 billion facility located in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru. This plant, which serves as Foxconn's second-largest iPhone factory beyond China, is now operational alongside its Chennai facility.

Experts consider the launch of the Bengaluru factory and the broader manufacturing strategy as a significant achievement in Apple's diversification plan.

Despite facing inflationary and tariff challenges in global supply chains, Apple has largely maintained stable pricing in US dollars, aided by enhanced local manufacturing in India that reduces geopolitical risks.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, informed IANS that Apple now showcases the most extensive range of iPhones available and is on track to capture a substantial market share this festive season.

“Approximately 60-65 percent of iPhones sold in India are purchased through EMIs, which will positively impact the new iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Air, in particular, boasts an impressive design and is sure to attract significant attention in the domestic market, especially with its Pro-level performance and cutting-edge silicon,” he stated.

“The camera system on the new lineup, particularly in the 17 Pro Series, remains unparalleled,” Pathak added.

The iPhone 17 (256 GB) is priced starting at Rs 82,900, while the iPhone 17 Air (256 GB) begins at Rs 119,900; the iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) starts from Rs 134,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB) is priced at Rs 149,900.

The iPhone Air showcases a groundbreaking titanium design, which is both lightweight and robust. The back is fortified with Ceramic Shield, and the front features Ceramic Shield 2, offering three times better scratch resistance, making it more durable than any previous iPhone. Additionally, the iPhone Air includes a stunning 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion capabilities of up to 120Hz.

According to Prabhu Ram, VP of the Industry Research Group (IRG) at CMR, the refreshed design of the all-new iPhone 17 series places Apple in a strong position for the festive season in India.

“The iPhone 17 Air introduces significant design innovations, likely enticing upgrades from loyal customers of older models, while the iPhone 17 Pro lineup features a performance-centric design reminiscent of the Apple Watch Ultra, alongside the largest battery ever in an iPhone and a remarkable camera upgrade with an 8x telephoto lens and up to 40x digital zoom. Enhancements in durability, such as improved drop and scratch resistance, align with the growing consumer demand for longer device lifecycles,” Ram shared with IANS.

Alongside the strong festive performance of previous iPhone generations, the considerable under-penetrated upgrade potential in India presents vast growth opportunities, assuming Apple can convert consumer interest into actual sales.

Apple’s investment in India is already yielding results. From April to July this year, iPhones worth $7.5 billion were exported from India, compared to $17 billion in the entire previous fiscal year. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also recently highlighted India’s increasing significance in the company’s supply chain.