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In a significant boost to India’s ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, Apple has emerged as the top smartphone exporter in the country, surpassing Samsung. According to a report by the Economic Times, Apple accounted for 49% of India’s total smartphone shipments in the June quarter, while Samsung trailed behind with 45%.
Apple’s remarkable rise
Apple’s remarkable rise in India’s smartphone export market is nothing short of impressive. In Q2 2022, the tech giant’s share of exports stood at a mere 9% of the approximately 8 million smartphones shipped. Fast forward to Q2 2023, and Apple commanded nearly half of the total smartphone exports in India, according to the ET report. In contrast, other Android brands such as Xiaomi, Motorola, Vivo, and Transsion saw their exports dip from 10% in Q1 2023 to 6% in Q2 2023.
Although India’s contribution to iPhone production is relatively modest, this surge in exports aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of positioning India as a credible global manufacturing hub, reducing dependence on China. Apple, historically reliant on China for iPhone manufacturing, has been actively seeking alternative options amid escalating tensions between the US and China. Additionally, disruptions caused by lockdowns in China have prompted Apple to diversify its manufacturing base.
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The impressive performance of Apple in India can be attributed to a significant increase in production by its contract manufacturers: Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron. This production surge began in the latter half of 2022, coinciding with the manufacturing of iPhone models, including the iPhone 14. These efforts aim to meet the growing demand in the Indian market and support export operations. Notably, all three manufacturers participate in the Indian government’s production-linked incentive scheme for smartphone manufacturing.
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Apple, the world’s most valuable company, commenced the assembly of its latest iPhone models in India just last year. In addition to expanding its exports from India, Apple is poised to strengthen its position in the local smartphone market. Market research firm Counterpoint predicts that Apple is expected to secure 7% of total smartphone sales in India between July and December, up from the 5% it held in the first half of 2023.
Apple has been strategically positioning India as a pivotal driver of its future growth, especially in response to the declining sales of its flagship device. Notably, Apple already dominates the segment for smartphones priced over $800 in India, boasting a commanding 67% share in the first half, as reported by IDC data. Samsung accounted for 31% of this segment.