Finally, after a long wait, Apple has launched two of its India stores in Delhi and Mumbai this week but that’s just not it. There are indications that the company may increase its workforce at its contract manufacturing units in the country to approximately 200,000, which is twice the current number.
Tim Cook, CEO, Apple, has requested support from the government to expand its supplier base for components in India. Cook has also asked assistance from the Indian government to train the country’s workforce to match Apple’s requirements.
Apple’s primary focus in India is on the assembly of iPhones through contract manufacturers. However, the company intends to broaden its operations to include iPads and AirPods as well. At present, Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron are the three vendors in India that handle the assembly of iPhones for Apple.
A report cited by PTI has revealed that Apple has generated 100,000 jobs in India. Interestingly, most of the roles (around 72 per cent) are being held by women workers in blue-collar positions. The report further highlights that the majority of these jobs have been created in the past 20 months, with many of the women workers being first-time entrants to the job market.
It is said that the partnership between Apple and India has significant potential for growth, investments, job creation, and export opportunities. Apple has been working to expand its manufacturing operations in India as part of its efforts to decrease its dependence on China. At present, Taiwanese electronics manufacturers Foxconn and Wistron Corp are responsible for assembling Apple products such as iPhones in India.
