Apple to Begin Development of iPhone 17 in India, Not China [Rumor]

Apple is allegedly planning to begin development of its standard iPhone 17 model in India, rather than China, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This would mark the first time Apple has begun development of an iPhone outside China.

The new product introduction (NPI) for the standard iPhone 17 (to be launched in 2H25) is expected to start kick-off in India in 2H24. It will be the first time for Apple to begin development of a new iPhone model outside of China. The standard iPhone is chosen for its lower-difficulty design development to reduce design risk.

New Product Introduction (NPI) refers to the process of bringing a new product to the market. It encompasses all the activities and stages from the conception of a product idea to its commercial launch.


Notably, Kuo says that India will account for 12-14% of global iPhone shipments this year, and if all goes well, that will increase to 20-25% by next year.

Currently, Foxconn owns 75-80% of iPhone production capacity in India, but Kuo notes that as the company increases production there, its production scale in Zhengzhou and Taiyuan, China, are expected to decrease by 35–45% and 75–85%. Some of this reduction is due to Luxshare's rapid increase in iPhone order allocation and improvements to production line automation.

Finally, Kuo says that Tata's acquisition of Wistron's iPhone production lines could help Apple strengthen its relationship with the Indian government, benefiting future sales of iPhones and other devices in the country.

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