Vikrant Shekhawat : Dec 06, 2024, 08:00 AM
Apple iPhone: iPhones made in India are now ringing globally. In the financial year 2024, Apple exported 70% of its "Made in India" iPhones. This figure is expected to reach 80-85% in the future, reflecting the growing stature and potential of Indian tech production.Present and future of iPhone manufacturing in IndiaApple currently manufactures its iPhones in India and China. iPhones made in India currently account for only 14-15% of Apple's total production, but there is huge potential for expansion in this area. Apple has taken major steps to make India a strategic production hub, which has a direct impact on the global iPhone supply chain.Apple's record-breaking performanceAccording to IDC data, the total value of Apple's smartphone shipments between January and September 2024 was $7.96 billion. In comparison, Samsung's shipments stood at $5.23 billion. During this period, Apple captured a 27% value share in India's smartphone market, while Samsung's share shrunk to 17.7%.Apple's iPhone shipments in 2023 were valued at $8.69 billion, slightly higher than Samsung's $8.33 billion. This gap widened further in 2024, reflecting Apple's growing popularity in India.Increasing demand for expensive iPhonesApple is firmly entrenched in the premium segment due to its superior quality and high price range. According to IDC:More than 85% of Apple shipments are in models priced above $700.More than 75% of Samsung shipments fall in the sub-$400 category.Strong demand for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 models helped Apple ship a record 4 million units in India in the September 2024 quarter. According to experts, Apple is on track to ship over 12 million iPhone units in 2024.India ready to challenge ChinaIndia's iPhone production has the potential to challenge China in the next five years. However, it may take 10-15 years for India to reach the level of China in revenue and sales. But the current pace of production is enough to establish India as a global manufacturing hub.Apple overtakes SamsungApple's iPhone shipments to India in 2024 crossed $10.7 billion (about Rs 90,680 crore) by value. This is the second consecutive year that Apple has overtaken Samsung in the smartphone market in India.Why is this achievement important for India?Job creation: Increase in iPhone manufacturing is creating thousands of new jobs in India.Economic growth: Exports of Made in India iPhones are strengthening India's economy.Technological excellence: Partnership with a brand like Apple is giving global recognition to India's technological capabilities.ConclusionMade in India iPhone is a big achievement not only for Apple but also for India. This not only reflects India's self-reliance in tech production, but is also a big step towards establishing the country as a global manufacturing and export hub. India will emerge as an important production hub for Apple in the coming years.