Apple is expected to expand its manufacturing operations in India beyond iPhones, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, as the government intensifies efforts to boost domestic mobile phone production. The push aims to foster original designs, Indian intellectual property, and increased local sourcing within the next 10 to 14 months, according to livemint.com.
The government’s new scheme focuses on strengthening the Indian smartphone ecosystem by encouraging companies like Apple to broaden their manufacturing base. Vaishnaw highlighted that this initiative will not only increase production capacity but also support the development of Indian smartphone brands. The plan includes incentives for local sourcing and innovation to reduce dependence on imports, the report added.
This move aligns with India’s broader strategy to become a global hub for electronics manufacturing, competing with other Asian countries. Expanding Apple’s footprint beyond iPhones could attract more investments and technology transfers, potentially benefiting local suppliers and startups. The government’s push complements ongoing efforts to enhance India’s share in the global smartphone market, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
The government expects new Indian-made phones to hit the market within 10 to 14 months, signaling a tangible timeline for the manufacturing expansion. This development was disclosed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a statement covered by livemint.com on August 21.