Karnataka welcomes Apple’s proposal to manufacture iPhones

The Government of Karnataka welcomes iPhone maker Apple’s proposal to commence initial manufacturing operations in Karnataka.

Apple’s intentions to manufacture in Bengaluru will foster the cutting-edge technology ecosystem and supply chain development in the state, which are critical for India to compete globally.

Apple’s representatives led by Priya Balasubramaniam (VP iPhone operations), Ali Khanafer (Head, Government Affairs), Dheeraj Chugh (Director, iPhone operations) and Priyesh Povanna (Country Counsel) met with Ministers and officials of the Government of Karnataka and had positive discussions about the initiatives in manufacturing and possible collaborations with state Government in other areas.

The release did not provide much details about what the initial manufacturing operations would be. However, reports quoting highly-placed sources at the government had earlier said that the iconic iPhones would be manufactured in Bengaluru by Wistron, a Taiwanese OEM maker for Apple.

“Wistron has plans for setting up iPhone manufacturing plant for domestic market in Peenya,” they had said.

Local manufacturing is expected to help Apple price its phones more competitively in India as it currently attracts 12.5 per cent additional duty on imports.

This would be Apple’s second big project for Bengaluru. In May last year, Apple had set up a design and development accelerator in the city to grow the iOS developer community.

The announcement was made as part of the visit of Apple CEO Tim Cook to India

Apple’s decision on initial manufacturing has further enhanced the reputation of Bengaluru as the most preferred destination for foreign investment and further validation of the State Government Policies aimed at fostering manufacturing, innovation and investments in Karnataka.