“Lithium Ion Battery Cells Manufacturing for iPhones to Increase in India
Apple, the American tech giant, is set to manufacture lithium-ion battery cells for iPhones in India, catering to a large number of iPhones sold globally. Nearly six years ago, Apple commenced iPhone production in the country. The Japanese electronics parts manufacturer, TDK Corp, will be producing these battery cells.
Apple’s plan involves reducing its manufacturing operations in China, making India a significant source for the company’s growth. The company already has 14 suppliers in the country. Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar mentioned in a post on the social media platform X that TDK will establish a manufacturing unit in Haryana. This move is expected to create thousands of jobs. According to Reuters, the cells produced in this unit will be supplied to Sunwoda Electronics, responsible for assembling Apple’s lithium-ion battery.
Apple has been aiming to diversify its manufacturing away from China. Recently, Apple’s supplier Foxconn revealed its target to double its investment and workforce in India by next year. The Taiwan-based Foxconn plans to expand iPhone production in the country and has even sent Chinese engineers to provide training in its factories.
Apple is experiencing strong demand for its iPhone 15, launched in September. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, known for their camera and storage upgrades, are particularly popular among customers. The prices of these models were increased due to the enhancements.
The lockdown imposed in China last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Foxconn’s production. The company has around 40,000 workers in its iPhone factory in Tamil Nadu. Recently, the company called Chinese engineers to improve efficiency in this factory. Foxconn’s factory in China is known for its high level of efficiency.
Competing with Foxconn, Tata Group, known for its diverse businesses from automobiles to software, recently struck a deal to acquire Wistron’s unit in India. This move indicates Tata Group’s expansion into iPhone production in the country.”