Tata Group becomes the first Indian giant to manufacture iPhones taking over Wistron’s factory

Since 2016, Taiwanese manufacturing firms Pegatron, Foxconn, and Wistron have been manufacturing iPhones in India. In a major development, Indian giant Tata Group is taking over Wistron’s manufacturing factory based in Karnataka. It means Tata Group will be responsible for manufacturing and assembling iPhones in India for global and domestic markets within two and a half years from now.

Union minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar confirmed the same on Friday highlighting how the Indian government’s Make in India supports Tata’s initiative to manufacture iPhones. Tata Group took over Wistron’s Karnataka factory at a whopping $125 million which includes a 100% stake in the unit. At present, Wistron manufactures iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone SE (2nd-gen), and iPhone 12 and with Tata’s takeover of the Indian manufacturing unit, there are plans to introduce newer iPhones as well.

Wistron set up its assembly in India located in the Southern state of Karnataka to push Made in India iPhone SE models back in 2016. There were rumors that the manufacturing giant has been winding down its operations in the country and with the latest development in the tow, Tata Group has taken over that will give ‘Made in India’ further momentum as India dives as a major fulcrum towards the global electronics value chain.

At present, India is the second-largest manufacturing hub for OEMs, ODMs, and other companies. India’s smartphone exports amounted to $5.5Bn during April-August in FY24 which is almost twice as compared to the same period in FY22-23 at $3Bn. Apple is also looking to diversify its manufacturing given the escalating tension between China and the US giving a much-needed boost to India’s manufacturing and supply chain.

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