Apple assembly partner Wistron is allegedly preparing to expand its production in India, setting the stage for a second-generation iPhone SE shipping in the first quarter of 2018.
Apple is asking the Indian government to extend tax breaks to suppliers if it wants them in the country alongside iPhone assembly, according to a report.
A pair of rumors in the last few days have totally conflicting reports on the future of the iPhone SE, and in all likelihood, neither of them are correct. AppleInsider explains why.
Developers from Apple's Bangalore, India App Accelerator claim that the center gives them a leg up on competitors, with the mentoring help them adopt Apple's frameworks much quicker than they would have otherwise.
Apple cut the price its products in India this week, discounting its iPhones by up to 7.5 percent alongside reduced-cost iPads and Mac systems, with the pricing adjustment coinciding with the introduction of major sales-related tax reforms in the country.
More details have emerged from Sunday's encounter between Apple CEO Tim Cook and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which Cook reportedly revealed he expects Apple's Indian operations to run entirely off renewable energy by the end of 2017.
The first iPhone SE models built in India — by Apple partner Wistron — are now on sale in various cities around the country such as Bengaluru, according to local reports.
Apple CEO Tim Cook was reportedly one of 21 U.S. corporate leaders who attended a roundtable with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C. on Sunday.
Other than just battling the Indian government for concessions and dealing with the shaky financial situation of the populace, Apple is also fighting a large and aggressive Samsung presence in the country for the minds of the consumers.
The business realities of India as a market have pushed Apple to allow authorized vendors to cut prices dramatically in India on older phones, dating as far back as the iPhone 5.
India is reportedly willing to waive taxes on imported iPhone parts in exchange for the company helping to expand Wistron's manufacturing operations in Bengaluru, where the iPhone SE is currently being made.
Apple has finally started to assemble iPhones in India, the Cupertino company has confirmed, with local manufacturing partners said to have commenced production of the iPhone SE earlier this month, and initial shipments for domestic customers expected to take place within the next few weeks.
Apple may kickstart its India sales ambitions by launching its own online store in India to sell the iPhone SE instead of just relying on authorized dealers, before it opens up its own brick and mortar retail presence.
Apple on Friday inaugurated its promised App Accelerator center in Bangalore, India, which will support developers through means like talks by experts and one-on-one app reviews.
Apple's Indian manufacturing will finally begin within the next 4 to 6 weeks at a Wistron plant in Bangalore — and more ambitious plans are already being hatched.
Apple is planning to grow its presence in India over the next year by expanding the number of Apple Authorized Reseller locations, with the addition of over 100 small stores believed to be a six-fold increase in the number of outlets already in operation in the country.
A version of the iPhone 6 that includes 32 gigabytes of storage has resurfaced in another country, with Amazon exclusively selling the smartphone in India from Monday, following similar sales in China and Taiwan offering the device with the new storage capacity.
Apple's first "made in India" device will be the iPhone SE, with reports on Friday claiming the tech giant plans to start production of the entry-level handset in the coming months through contract manufacturer Wistron.
Foxconn's delayed plans to build a manufacturing plant in Maharashtra, India may finally bear fruit, with Foxconn executives reportedly meating with the region's Chief Minister to hammer out some details.
Apple is looking to revive the idea of importing and selling refurbished iPhones in India as a possible condition of it starting local manufacturing in the country, a report said on Monday.
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Roger Fingas
Mike Wuerthele
Malcolm Owen
AppleInsider Staff
