In a significant move for its operations in India, Apple has begun manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models, just weeks after their global debut. This development marks a landmark achievement as Apple now produces its entire iPhone lineup locally for the first time. “Apple is proud to manufacture the complete iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, right here in India,” the company stated.
In tandem with its production expansion, Apple is planning to enhance its retail footprint in India by launching additional flagship stores. This initiative highlights the growing importance of the Indian market for the tech giant. Future Apple locations are set to open in major cities including Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, and Mumbai, as confirmed by the company.
“Our stores are extraordinary venues where customers can immerse themselves in the Apple experience. We are excited to deepen our relationship with our customers in India,” remarked Diedre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail. “As we look forward to opening more stores, we are inspired by the creativity and enthusiasm of our Indian customers,” she added.
The locally manufactured Pro models, which involve more intricate production processes compared to the standard versions, will soon be available for purchase by Indian customers and will also be exported to select markets worldwide. “The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max made in India will soon be available to local consumers and will be shipped to various international destinations,” Apple announced.
Since commencing local manufacturing of iPhones in 2017, Apple has created over 3,000 jobs in India. “Apple’s partnerships with suppliers of all sizes contribute to hundreds of thousands of jobs across the nation,” the company highlighted.
Additionally, Apple is committed to environmental sustainability through collaborations with local partners. “Our recent alliance with CleanMax enhances our clean energy capacity, powering our offices, two retail stores, and corporate operations in India. This is part of Apple’s broader commitment to achieving 100% carbon neutrality for our supply chain and products by 2030,” the company explained.
“India is a crucial component of Apple’s growth strategy for the next decade. With considerable potential for expansion driven by strong consumer demand for iPhones, Apple is only beginning to tap into this vital market. The manufacturing of Pro models represents a significant milestone in Apple’s long-term vision,” stated Prabhu Ram, Vice President of the Industry Research Group at CyberMedia Research.