Apple begins iPhone 15 production in India as part of its diversification strategy from China: Report

Bloomberg reported Wednesday that an Apple supplier has begun manufacturing the iPhone 15 in India as part of the company’s effort to diversify its manufacturing from China.

As the relationship between the United States and China continues to deteriorate, Apple has been seeking to diversify its supply chain.

The iPhone lineup is typically announced at Apple’s annual event in September.

As part of its efforts to diversify its manufacturing from China, Apple supplier Foxconn is beginning production of the iPhone 15 in India.

Bloomberg cited unnamed sources as saying Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur plant is preparing to ship new phones weeks after they begin shipping from China-based factories.

Since the U.S.-China relationship is becoming increasingly tense, Apple has been working on diversifying its supply chain. The Apple CEO told that India represents a “huge opportunity” after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House this year.

Biden administration actions have restricted U.S. technology flow and investment into China in light of bipartisan U.S. skepticism of China’s government. A number of U.S. semiconductors are also subject to Chinese restrictions.

In the last fiscal year, Apple assembled more than $7 billion worth of iPhones in India, Bloomberg reported earlier. According to the outlet, Apple produces nearly 7% of its iPhones in India. Bloomberg reported that iPhone assembly in India had lagged behind China by six to nine months before then.

Each year, Apple announces its new lineup of iPhones at its annual event in September. Bloomberg reports that this year’s update will include major updates to the camera and an improved processor for the Pro models.

According to the report, a Pegastron factory and a Wistron factory acquired by Tata will also assemble the iPhone 15 in India.