Apple plans to assemble iPhone camera module in India in order to reduce reliance on China

Apple in talks with Indian companies for assembling camera modules

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) Apple is reportedly in advanced discussions with Tata Group’s Titan Company and Murugappa Group to manufacture camera sub-components for iPhones in India. This move aims to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and boost the country’s role in the global supply chain.

Currently, there are no Indian suppliers for the iPhone’s camera module, a highly sophisticated technology. Titan and Murugappa, known for high-precision manufacturing, have qualified for government incentives to establish a chip assembly unit under the PLI scheme.

Tata Group, which acquired Wistron’s India operations last year, is also considering acquiring Pegatron’s iPhone manufacturing facility near Chennai. Reports suggest Tata is planning to build a significant iPhone assembly plant in Tamil Nadu’s Hosur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently initiated three semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the country, including Tata Electronics’ chip fabrication facility in Gujarat and an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Assam, both significant investments by the Tata Group.

Overall, these developments highlight Apple’s efforts to diversify its supply chain and boost localization of manufacturing in India, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative towards self-reliance and economic growth.