Apple to start assembling iPhones in Bangalore within a month

In less than a month, Apple will start assembling high-end iPhones in Bangalore.

Confirming the reports, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge said, “In less than a month, we will have something out - Apple will start assembling and making its high-end iPhones at its plant in the city. Taiwanese contract manufacturer Wistron Corp will help Apple in doing so.”

Apple's latest move is expected to help the company gain a foothold in the fast-growing Indian market. Karnataka government has been in talks with the Centre for strengthening the ecosystem even as Apple is negotiating with it for its next level of production in India, he said.

Kharge also said the government should give Apple specific timelines, subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them.

“The government should give companies a timeline, say in 10 years they should be able to manufacture 100 per cent of phones and its components by procuring them from the local market. Such a timeline should be given because we don’t have that environment now,” Kharge said. “The government should also give companies subsidies and incentives to create a level-playing field for them to strengthen the Indian eco-system.”

Recently, there were reports that the Centre has rejected ‘most of the demands’ on tax incentives that Apple had sought for establishing a manufacturing base in the country. Apparently, besides 30 percent relaxation in the component sourcing, Apple had also asked an exemption from the Customs duty on imports of components and equipment for 15 years.

The IT Minister also said Apple alone should not get the special treatment but should include other players also such as Samsung and Lenovo. “...don’t give special treatment to Apple alone, but treat other players equally. Open the entire eco-system for high-end manufacturing of electronics if you really want to compete with China and Taiwan,” he added.