Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn is looking for opportunities to assemble Apple iPads in India. According to a recent report from ET, the contract manufacturer may begin assembling iPads at its facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
The report suggests that some rounds of discussions have already taken place with the government, and the outcome seems to be positive. In a few years, we can expect the facility to assemble iPhones, iPads, and more.
Assembling iPads is similar to assembling iPhones, and hence the manufacturer should be comfortable with the decision if it materializes. Furthermore, this move should also help Apple diversify its manufacturing resources outside of China, reducing supply chain risk.
It is said that Apple is also aiming to improve iPad sales in India, which will boost global sales, estimated to reach 49 million this year, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%.
Foxconn is also said to assemble MacBooks later. However, this will take more time as the process is completely different from that of iPhones and iPads.
The Indian government’s recent decision in the Union Budget 2024-25 to reduce the Basic Custom Duty (BCD) rates on mobile phones, mobile PCBs, and mobile chargers back to 15% will also have a positive impact on the decision to assemble iPads in India.
Further, it will help the contract manufacturer gain PLI 2.0 for IT Hardware incentives, which include tablets as well. As per reports, the assembling of iPads should start in the later part of 2025 in Tamil Nadu.