INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: In a big boost for the Modi government's 'Make-in-India' initiative, Apple has overtaken Samsung to emerge as the largest
shipments in the June quarter compared to its Korean rival's 45%.Apple's share of exports soared from just 9% of the roughly 8 million
smartphones shipped in Q2 2022, to almost half the total smartphone exports in Q2 2023, the ET report said
Meanwhile, exports from other Android brands such as Xiaomi, Motorola, Vivo, and Transsion witnessed a decrease, sliding from 10% in the
first quarter of 2023 to 6% in the second quarter of 2023, the report said.Although India's contribution to iPhone production is relatively
modest, the increasing exports present a promising development in line with PM Modi's aspirations to position the country as a viable
alternative to China as a global manufacturing hub
Apple, which had historically relied heavily on China for iPhone manufacturing, is actively exploring alternative options due to escalating
tensions between the Xi Jinping-led administration and the US government.Additionally, China's imposition of lockdowns that have disrupted
economic operations too prompted Apple to diversify its manufacturing base.According to the ET report, Apple's impressive performance in
India since commencing manufacturing activities in 2017 can be attributed to the substantial increase in production carried out by three of
its contract manufacturers: Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron
This production surge began in the latter half of 2022, coinciding with the manufacturing of iPhone models up to the iPhone 14
This expansion aims to meet the rising demand in the Indian market and support export operations
It's noteworthy that all three manufacturers are participants in the Indian government's production-linked incentive scheme for smartphone
manufacturing, the ET report said.Apple, the world's most valuable company, embarked on the assembly of its latest iPhone models in India
just last year.Apart from boosting its exports from India, Apple is also set to increase its foothold in the local smartphone market
According to a Reuters report, Apple is anticipated to capture a larger portion of India's smartphone market, particularly with the upscale
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models gaining a more substantial share of its shipments.According to data provided exclusively to Reuters by
market research firm Counterpoint, the company is expected to secure 7% of the total smartphone sales in India between July and December
This marks an increase from the 5% it held in the first half of 2023.Apple has been actively positioning India as a pivotal driver of its
future growth, a strategic move aimed at countering the declining sales of its flagship device.Notably, Apple already dominates the segment
for smartphones priced over $800 in India, holding a commanding 67% share in the first half, as reported by IDC data
Samsung accounted for 31% of this segment.(With inputs from agencies)
