Now, Apple iPhone Xr is being manufactured in India
What's the story
Apple's famous 'affordable' smartphone, the iPhone Xr, now comes with the 'Made in India' tag. Multiple parties have confirmed that the device, which went on sale last year and helped Apple take the top spot in the premium smartphone market, is being assembled by Foxconn in the country. And, as it appears, it has already started hitting the shelves. Here's all about it.
Manufacturing
India manufactured iPhone Xr spotted in market
Just recently, Newley Purnell from the Wall Street Journal shared photos of an iPhone Xr retail box to show that Apple has started manufacturing and selling the device in India. Following the report, several IANS sources confirmed the same development, claiming that Foxconn's facility in Sriperumbudur, Chennai, is engaged in the assembly of the smartphone.
Move
Apple moving manufacturing to India, other countries
Now, Apple's decision to produce the newer iPhone Xr in India comes shortly after the production cut of iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 7 - which were already being assembled by Foxconn. This seems to indicate that the US giant is looking to boost its manufacturing in other parts of the world, including India, amid growing US-China trade tensions.
Price cut
The important question: Will this bring down iPhone Xr's price?
Though local production will save Apple 20% of import duty, it is unlikely that the company will cut the price of iPhone Xr in the Indian market. This is because the company did not cut the price of iPhone 6s and SE after starting manufacturing the two phones in India. Secondly, the iPhone Xr is already selling in big numbers - at discounted prices.
Market share
Apple topped premium smartphone category
To recall, in the second quarter of 2019, iPhone Xr sales helped Apple top the premium smartphone category with a 42% market share. In India, the phone recently received a price cut, which further increased because of the ongoing festive offers and deals. Currently, with the right offer, you could get the 128GB variant of the phone at Rs. 45,000.