Apple starts assembling iPhone 12 in India

Tech giant Apple Inc. has started the assembly of iPhone 12 in India. The US based company said_ as it ramps up manufacturing operations in the world s second-biggest smartphone market.

 We are proud to be starting production of iPhone 12 in India for our local customers_ Apple said in a statement on Thursday_ without naming the supplier making the smartphone.

The Indian unit of Apple s Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn will assemble the device in its plant in southern Tamil Nadu state_ two sources familiar with the matter assured. Foxconn did not immediately respond to a request for comment_ but has previously said it does not comment on client-specific work.

Apple has been shifting some areas of production from China to other markets as it navigates the trade war between US and China. A person familiar with the matter said in November Foxconn is moving some iPad and MacBook assembly to Vietnam from China at its request.

Cupertino_ California-headquartered Apple has bet big on India since it began iPhone assembly in the country in 2017 via another Taiwanese supplier_ Wistron.

Foxconn_ Wistron and a third supplier Pegatron have together committed roughly $900 million over five years to make iPhones in India_ leveraging New Delhi s $6.7 billion plan to boost smartphone exports.

Apple is also planning to bring the assembly of its iPad tablet to India.