The buzz around the new iPhone 16 Pro launch in India highlights a growing consumer enthusiasm. Apple’s commitment to create 600,000 jobs emphasizes its investment in the local market. The discussion dives into competitive dynamics between India and China, exploring supply chain advantages. Special focus is given to India’s engineering talent, especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The podcast also examines how India is solidifying its role in the global electronics ecosystem through innovation and local manufacturing efforts.
Apple's growing manufacturing presence in India aims to create 600,000 jobs by FY25, emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The surge in disposable incomes and financing options in India is propelling the premium smartphone market, with Apple's share expected to reach 18% by 2024.
Deep dives
Apple's Growing Influence in India
Apple's launch of the iPhone 16 Pro in India demonstrates the increasing popularity of premium smartphones within the country. The market has evolved significantly since Apple entered in 2008, with a current push towards high-end devices driven by improved disposable incomes post-COVID. Factors such as easy financing options and attractive trade-in offers have encouraged consumers to upgrade to premium models, leading to a notable rise in market share from 5% to 10% in the premium segment. Projections suggest this figure could reach 18% by 2024, highlighting a robust demand for luxury smartphones in the Indian market.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Diversification
Apple's shift towards manufacturing in India has been accelerated by the need to diversify its supply chain away from China, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic. Currently, about two-thirds of smartphones manufactured in India are exported, and initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive scheme have improved India's attractiveness as a manufacturing hub. With investments from key suppliers such as Foxconn and Tata Electronics, the country is seeing a significant enhancement in its electronics manufacturing landscape, creating a ripple effect for local suppliers. The growth in local assembly capabilities could potentially increase Apple's reliance on India, moving towards higher value components.
Opportunities in Design and Intellectual Property
India not only represents a growing market for manufacturing but is also a critical player in the design space, with 20% of Apple's global design workforce located there. While local assembly is critical, there is a pressing need for India to develop its own intellectual property to secure its position in the global supply chain. Companies should strive to create national champions in the semiconductor sector, similar to successful models seen in countries like Korea. By enhancing both manufacturing expertise and design capabilities, India could significantly increase its contribution to Apple's value chain and overall global electronics ecosystem.
Symbolic of India’s affinity to Apple, a week ago, hordes eager to get their hands on the shiny new iPhone 16 pro queued up in front of stores. With all the business that the company is getting from India, it is reciprocating the love in the form of jobs generated from manufacturing phones and allied components–6 lakh jobs by the end of FY25, including 2 lakh direct positions by March with a special impetus on diversity, equity and inclusion. But why is Apple eyeing India? Where does the country stand when it comes to the company’s largest markets? How is Apple doing in a price-sensitive market? What kind of value addition is India doing and how will it change? Join host Dia Rekhi as she seeks answers to these questions and more with Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint Research and Ekta Mittal, senior analyst at CCS Insight.
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