New Delhi: Apple has reportedly completed trial run assembly of its first-ever batch of indigenous iphones in Bengaluru and is set to begin the shipping of the first-ever ‘made in india’ iphone to the domestic market sometime around this month.
“Taiwan-based manufacturer Wistron Corp has completed assembling a trial run of the first-ever iPhones in the city and could dispatch the devices to domestic market this month,” said a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Apple confirmed production of a small number of iPhone SE models in India’s Silicon Valley. Additionally, a person familiar on the matter told WSJ, “We are beginning initial production of a small number of iPhone SE in Bengaluru. We’ll begin shipping to domestic customers this month.”
India has the second-highest number of mobile phone accounts behind China. With sales slowing down in the key market China, Apple is eyeing on India to ramp-up its growth.
While Apple holds 10 per cent of smartphone market in India, it also faces tough competition from Samsung and other Chinese and local brands.
‘Made in India’ iPhone SE models could cost as much as $100 (approx. Rs 6,500) lower than the current $320, the price is still debatable.
“The company prefers to keep prices consistent through all markets and aims to preserve its gross margin,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing.
Apple to sell India-made iPhone soon
