Apple has reportedly asked its suppliers to make iPhone 16 batteries in India. This is another step by the company to diversify its supply chain and reduce its reliance on China.
The Cupertino giant currently sources iPhone batteries from multiple suppliers located in China.
Another major iPhone component could be made in India
Apple has encouraged Chinese firm Desay to manufacture iPhone 16 batteries in India. Taiwanese firm Simplo Technology, which already has a presence in the country, has been asked to expand its operations.
A source told the Financial Times, “If all goes well with iPhone 16 battery supply, Apple plans to move more iPhone battery production to India.”
An alleged leak has already shown off the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery with a metal backplate.
This report comes just a few days after the Japanese company TDK Corp announced it will make batteries for iPhones in India. The company is setting up a 180-acre factory in Manesar, Haranya, to meet Apple’s requirements.
Another big win for PM @narendramodi ji's visionary PLI scheme in shifting the mobile manufacturing ecosystem to India.
TDK, a leading supplier of cells to Apple, is setting up a 180-acre facility in Manesar, Haryana to build cells for batteries which will be used in the… pic.twitter.com/hyJAf6yeqO
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@Rajeev_GoI) December 4, 2023
Apple continues expanding its presence in India
Apple currently imports batteries for use in iPhones and iPads from its suppliers. Local production will help the company reduce logistics costs and tighten its supply chain integration. It should also help Apple save on taxes and duties.
For the first time since starting iPhone manufacturing in India in 2017, Apple could commence mass production of the newest iPhone in the country at almost the same time as China. Given how Apple is pushing its suppliers to expand in India, its importance will continue growing in the coming years.
COVID-19 heavily disrupted Apple’s supply chain, as the country was its manufacturing hub. The company is now expanding its manufacturing efforts in India to create a more robust supply chain. It will also help Apple amidst the increasing political tensions between the US and China.
