September 14, 2023
The company is also aiming to double its sales in India during the next quarter
Apple is already manufacturing the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and 13 models in India
Older models like the iPhone 13 and 14 are expected to contribute significantly to sales in India during the next quarter due to the festive season
Apple had shipped 4.5 million iPhones to India by July of 2023
Apple is set to commence local production of the iPhone 15 Plus in the upcoming quarter, building on India’s successful launch of the base model. The Foxconn plant near Chennai is preparing to manufacture the iPhone 15 Plus.
Experts stated that production is scheduled for October to December, marking one of India’s fastest manufacturing rollouts for a higher-priced model.
The company also aims to double its sales in India during the next quarter, leveraging the appeal of its new releases and price reductions on the iPhone 13 and 14 models. This strategy is expected to result in a record-breaking sales quarter for Apple in India from October to December, as indicated by sources close to the matter.
Although Apple has already initiated commercial production of the iPhone 15 at the Foxconn plant, local manufacturing capacity for this model still needs to grow. With the festive season approaching, Apple will continue importing these devices from its primary production hub in China to meet the high demand.
Apple is already manufacturing the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and 13 models in India. However, the iPhone 15 Plus and the ultra-premium iPhone Pro series will continue to be imported, as Apple has yet to make plans to produce the iPhone Pro models locally.
Despite the premium pricing, Apple anticipates doubling its sales in India in the next quarter with the launch of these new models, potentially achieving a record-breaking quarter for the company, according to one of the executives.
Apple’s latest product lineup includes four models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, with prices ranging from INR 79,900 to a record INR 1,99,900. India will be among the first countries, alongside 40 others, to have access to these models starting on September 22.
Analysts predict that Apple will conclude the calendar year with record iPhone shipments, primarily driven by the appeal of its new releases. Older models like the iPhone 13 and 14 are expected to contribute significantly to sales in India during the next quarter due to the festive season, alongside upgrades from existing iPhone users.
According to IDC data, Apple had shipped 4.5 million iPhones to India by July of the current calendar year, representing a 60% year-on-year increase. Researchers estimate that total iPhone shipments for the year will surpass 9 million units, compared to 6.7 million in 2022. This is expected to boost Apple’s share in the Indian smartphone market to 5%, up from 4% in 2022, according to Counterpoint Research.
Source: Economic Times