Apple prepares for iPhone 16 Pro model production in India

Apple could make more iPhone models in India in 2024, with it reportedly preparing to make Pro and Pro Max versions for the first time, when the iPhone 16 debuts.

Apple's growing iPhone production in India is gradually catching up to China, but not for the highest-specification models so far. For the iPhone 16, it is said to be making a change.

Sources familiar with the matter speaking to Money Control said that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be made in India. If true, this will mark the first time the Pro models of the flagship iPhone family will be made in India.

One source explained that, in seeking to "deepen its manufacturing capabilities with partners in India," Apple has apparently considered Pro model production for "the last couple of years."

For this generation, Apple will "make sure the India-assembled iPhone 16 Pro models are available in the country after the launch," the source continued.

The Foxconn facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, will commence the "new product introduction" (NPI) process for the iPhone 16 Pro models soon. The same facility has also been linked to Foxconn's efforts to expand into iPad production in the country.

However, while Pro model production is anticipated before the end of the year, it won't be available in time for launch. The NPI process could happen over the summer, but mass production isn't expected until after the iPhone 16 launch itself.

The initial launch of the generation will most likely involve imports of the Pro and Pro Max models, the source added. However, the India-made variants will be available within the fiscal year, in a similar move to the iPhone 15 Plus.

The move is likely to be a big earner for Apple, which has already seen massive growth in the country. In July, Apple's revenue in India had increased for the 12 months through to March by 33%, equating a shift in revenue from $6 billion to $8 billion.

On July 23, the India government cut its import rate to 15% from 20%. The shift not only cuts the cost of bringing iPhones into India, but also of components used for assembly in the country.