Apple’s iPhone 16 Launch and Surge in Exports from India
Apple Inc., renowned for its innovative technology and the production of popular devices such as the iPhone, has recently unveiled its latest series—the iPhone 16. This new lineup has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts globally, particularly in India, where the starting price for the iPhone 16 is approximately 80,000 rupees. The positive reception from Indian consumers can be attributed not only to Apple’s exceptional products but also to the supportive measures implemented by the Indian government, particularly the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Impact of the PLI Scheme on Apple’s Production in India
The PLI scheme, introduced by the Indian government, aims to boost local manufacturing and promote exports. According to recent reports, the effects of this initiative are beginning to manifest significantly. In the first five months of the financial year 2025, Apple’s exports from India reached an impressive $5 billion (around ₹41,985 crore), marking a 54% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth can primarily be attributed to the commencement of production for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Max models within India, expanding beyond the previously assembled basic and Plus variants.
Export and Production Growth
Remarkably, the number of iPhones exported from India within the initial five months of FY 2025 has equaled the total exports during the entire fiscal year 2022. This impressive achievement highlights the accelerated production capabilities of Apple’s manufacturing partners in the country.
Main Manufacturers and Their Goals
Key players involved in manufacturing Apple’s iPhones in India include Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron, with Wistron currently under the ownership of Tata Electronics. These companies are leveraging the benefits of the PLI scheme to enhance their production capacity. Together, they aim to export iPhones worth approximately $8.9 billion, which translates to around ₹75,000 crores, within this financial year.
Future Sales Projections
Looking ahead, there is an optimistic outlook for iPhone sales in the Indian domestic market during the period from November to March, coinciding with the festive season. Notably, Foxconn has recently commenced the production of the higher-end iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, which are significantly more expensive. As the festive season approaches, there is strong potential for the export value of iPhones from India to rise even further post-November.
Summary of Key Points
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| New Launch | iPhone 16 series launched with a starting price of around ₹80,000 in India. |
| Export Growth | $5 billion in exports in the first five months of FY 2025, a 54% increase from last year. |
| Production Expansion | Production of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max has started in India. |
| Export Target | Aim to export iPhones worth $8.9 billion (approximately ₹75,000 crores) this financial year. |
| Future Outlook | Projected increase in domestic sales during the festive season from November to March. |
