Apple to assemble iPhone 6, 6S in India; will they be cheaper?

Apple’s plans to start manufacturing its products in India are known since the past couple of months. Along with iPhone SE, it also appears like Apple will be assembling iPhone 6 and 6S models in India in the next few weeks.

According to a report published by Business Standard, government officials familiar with Apple’s plans say that Taiwan-based contract manufacturer Wistron Corp. will begin manufacturing iPhone 6 and 6S models at Apple’s plant in Bangalore in the next four to six weeks.

“Almost all preparations have been done for launching Apple’s first phase project in Bangalore through Wistron,” the official reportedly told Wall Street Journal. “We’ve been working hard to develop our operations in India,” an Apple spokeswoman added. “We appreciate the constructive and open dialogue we’ve had with government about further expanding our local operations,” she added.

Apple’s devices are priced relatively higher in India when compared to other markets and the company realises that. Thus, they have been attempting at chalking out a plan with the Indian government to ensure that the device’s prices drop somehow. If Apple were to start manufacturing iPhones in India then the prices would drop by at least $100 (Rs 6,000-7,000).

The company is continuously negotiating with New Delhi for its next-level of production in India. Apple has even sought for tax concessions on the import of key components. However, the Indian government hasn’t accepted most of the demands of Apple yet.

"Apple is closely working with [the] government to move forward with its India plans. We want Apple to manufacture in India. They are also very keen," an official who works closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, declining to be named. "We will try to accommodate as much of their demands as possible, but they too appreciate and understand our limitations."