iPhone production in India is significantly slower than in China, about ten times slower according to a new book by journalist Patrick Maging. Although Apple has increased its presence in India, the process is more complicated due to regulations, local sourcing requirements, and slow retail channel openings. India produces basic iPhone SE models, while Pro models have only recently started assembly. Most of the work in India is final assembly, testing, and packaging, with parts still coming from China. Apple plans to achieve full production independence in India within 5 to 10 years, but this goal remains distant. Currently, the supply chain in India complicates rather than aids Apple’s operations.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the challenges and complexities Apple faces in shifting production from China to India, highlighting issues such as labor rights, regulatory hurdles, and the impact of global supply chains on workers. They may critique the slow pace as a reflection of systemic issues in global capitalism and the difficulties in replicating China’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Center: Centrist sources focus on the factual reporting of Apple’s production shift, noting the slower pace in India compared to China due to regulatory and logistical challenges. They highlight Apple’s strategic efforts to diversify supply chains post-COVID lockdowns in China and the long-term plans for India to become a significant manufacturing hub.
Right: Right-leaning media emphasize the economic and strategic benefits of Apple diversifying production to India, framing it as a positive move to reduce dependence on China amid geopolitical tensions. They may downplay the slow progress as temporary and stress the potential for India to become a major player in global tech manufacturing, supporting free market and business expansion narratives.
