Apple, ramping up production in India, has spread iPhone 17 production across five domestic units, with the handsets to go on sale in the country on September 19. Analysts on Wednesday said that the festival season to come is expected to bring in record sales for the US technology giant.
Industry insiders also said that Apple will make less of the 'Pro' variants in India.
Foxconn has started producing iPhone 17 units at its new $2.8 billion factory in Devanahalli, close to Bengaluru. The facility, Foxconn's second-largest iPhone manufacturing unit outside China, is now up and running alongside its Chennai factory.
Experts see the opening of the Bengaluru factory and Apple's wider manufacturing move as a critical turning point in the company's effort to diversify production.
In spite of inflationary pressures and tariffs influencing worldwide supply chains, Apple has been keeping prices relatively stable in US dollars. This stability is underpinned by local production in India increasing, which also mitigates geopolitical risks.
Tarun Pathak, Director of Research at Counterpoint Research, informed IANS that Apple now has the widest iPhone portfolio ever and is set to grab substantial market share in the festive season.
60-65 percent of iPhone sales in India are currently happening on EMIs and that would also suit the new iPhone 17 series well. From the form factor perspective, iPhone 17 Air is a looker and will definitely attract more eyeballs in the local market with its Pro-grade performance and best of the silicon," he added.
“I think the camera remains the best for iPhones in this new lineup, especially on the 17 Pro Series,” Pathak added.
Pricing for the new series starts at Rs 82,900 for the iPhone 17 (256 GB), Rs 119,900 for the iPhone 17 Air (256 GB), Rs 134,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB), and Rs 149,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB).
iPhone 17 Air features a revolutionary titanium design that is lightweight and durable. Its rear is now shielded by Ceramic Shield, while the front has Ceramic Shield 2, providing three times greater scratch resistance compared to earlier iPhones. The device further features a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz.
Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group (IRG), CMR, explained to IANS that the updated design of the iPhone 17 series puts Apple in a position to deliver robust performance in India's festive season.
“The iPhone 17 Air brings notable design innovation, likely driving upgrades from loyalists of older models, while the iPhone 17 Pro lineup features a functional, performance-focused design reminiscent of the Apple Watch Ultra, the largest battery ever in an iPhone, and a major camera leap with an 8x telephoto lens and up to 40x digital zoom. Durability enhancements, including improved drop and scratch resistance, align with growing consumer demand for longer device lifecycles,” Ram told IANS.
He also noted that, along with the robust festive-season performance of previous-generation iPhones, India's large under-penetrated upgrade base presents significant growth potential if Apple is able to translate consumer demand into sales.
Apple's India push is already showing some success. In the four months through July this year, India shipped out iPhones worth $7.5 billion, down from $17 billion in all of the last fiscal year. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also spoken recently of India's growing position in the global supply chain for the company.
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