Tata to start making Apple iPhones for domestic, global markets in India, announces IT Minister

In a significant move that underscores India’s growing importance in the global smartphone manufacturing landscape, Tata Group is all set to initiate the production of iPhones on Indian soil. This development comes on the heels of Tata’s acquisition of Wistron’s operations, a strategic move aimed at catering to both the domestic and international markets.

The announcement was made by the Union Minister of State for Electronics & Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who took to X to share this groundbreaking news.

PM @narendramodi Ji’s visionary PLI scheme has already propelled India into becoming a trusted & major hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports.

Now within just two and a half years, @TataCompanies will now start making iPhones from India for domestic and global markets from… pic.twitter.com/kLryhY7pvL

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@Rajeev_GoI) October 27, 2023

Wistron Corp., the former operator, held a pivotal Board of Directors Meeting on the same day, during which they granted approval for their subsidiaries, SMS InfoComm (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and Wistron Hong Kong Limited, to enter into a Share Purchase Agreement with Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL).

This agreement involves the sale of Wistron Corp.’s entire indirect stake in Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Private Limited (WMMI) and carries a preliminary estimated transaction price of approximately $125 million (equivalent to NTD3.89 billion).

While this deal awaits the confirmation and mutual signing of the relevant agreements by all parties, it will then proceed through the necessary approval channels. Following the finalization of the transaction, Wistron will make the required announcements and filings, adhering to the applicable regulatory requirements.

India’s increasing significance in Apple’s global manufacturing strategy can be attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s financial incentives to boost local production and Apple’s decision to diversify its supply chain beyond China, especially amid the ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Earlier this year, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal revealed that Apple had exported $5 billion worth of goods from India in 2022, emphasizing the company’s plans to produce 25 percent of global iPhone units in India over the next four to five years.

This acquisition of the Wistron Corp factory in Karnataka by India’s largest conglomerate marks the culmination of nearly a year’s worth of negotiations. Additionally, Tata Group has been producing iPhone chassis, the metal framework of the device, at its sprawling facility in Tamil Nadu.