Apple to start manufacturing iPhones in Bangalore

After all the speculations and delays, Apple is set to begin a new chapter in India by setting up manufacturing operations in India’s Silicon Valley, Bangalore. In a release (via TOI) the Karnataka Government has said that it welcomes Apple's proposal to commence initial manufacturing operations in the city.

"Apple's intentions to manufacture in Bengaluru will foster cutting edge technology ecosystem and supply chain development in the state, which is critical for India to compete globally," an official release signed by Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge said.

Though there are no details regarding the timeline but reports suggest that the initial operations could begin as soon as June this year by Wistron, a Taiwanese OEM maker.

According to the release, Apple's representatives, led by Priya Balasubramaniam, VP iPhone operations, Ali Khanafer (Head, Government Affairs),Dheeraj Chugh (Director,iPhone operations) and Priyesh Povanna (Country Council) met Ministers and officials of the Karnataka Government and had positive discussions about the initiatives in manufacturing and possible collaborations with state Government in other areas.

Local manufacturing would also help Apple make their phone more affordable and competitive in India as it currently attracts 12.5 per cent additional duty on imports.

This would be Apple's second big project for Bengaluru. In May, Apple had announced setting up a design and development accelerator in the city to grow the iOS developer community. The announcement was made as part of the visit of Apple CEO Tim Cook to India.