Tata Becomes First Indian iPhone Maker

In a groundbreaking move, Tata, an Indian conglomerate, has acquired the Wistron unit, marking a significant stride towards becoming the inaugural Indian company to manufacture iPhones. The Taiwan-based contract manufacturer for Apple, Wistron, has agreed to sell a complete stake in the Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) unit to Tata Electronics for a substantial sum of $125 million. This strategic decision was finalized post-Wistron’s board meeting on October 27.

Prime Minister Modi’s PLI Scheme Fuels Progress

Under the visionary PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Tata Group is poised to commence iPhone production within the next two and a half years. This ambitious endeavor is poised to bolster India’s standing as a key player in the global tech industry. The iPhones, crafted by Tata, will soon be available for purchase in both domestic and international markets.

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Methodical Progress Towards the Milestone

Rajeev Chandrashekhar, the Union Minister of State for Electronics and Technology, confirmed this historic development through a post on X. He shared that Wistron has granted approval to its subsidiaries, SMS InfoComm (Singapore) and Wistron Hong Kong Limited, to sign the crucial share purchase agreement with Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL). Once all parties have inked the necessary agreements, the deal will proceed to the subsequent phase of obtaining further approvals.

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Steady Momentum and Deliberations

Tata’s interest in acquiring the Wistron unit has been a topic of discussion for some time now. Initial reports in July hinted at the conglomerate’s nearing acquisition, with August slated as a potential timeframe. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the plan experienced a slight delay. Presently, Tata is gearing up to undertake iPhone assembly operations at the existing Wistron unit situated near Bengaluru.

A Visionary Retail Endeavor

In addition to this monumental acquisition, Tata has revealed plans to establish 100 stores across the nation, exclusively dedicated to retailing Apple products. This strategic move is set to redefine the retail landscape for tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados alike.

Expanding the ‘Assembled in India’ Initiative

India’s foray into iPhone assembly began with global suppliers Foxconn and Pegatron, both operating in Tamil Nadu. Notably, this year saw a significant milestone as India introduced ‘assembled in India’ iPhone 15 models on their launch day for the first time. This milestone underscores the nation’s growing prowess in the realm of tech manufacturing.

In conclusion, Tata’s acquisition of the Wistron unit not only signifies a historic leap for the Indian tech industry but also underscores the nation’s ever-increasing prominence on the global stage. Under Prime Minister Modi’s visionary PLI scheme, India is poised to become a formidable player in the iPhone manufacturing sector. With an eye on quality, compliance with Google’s content policies, and a commitment to originality, Tata’s journey into iPhone production is poised to leave an indelible mark on India’s technological landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative endeavor continues to unfold.