Apple's iPhone 15 Launch: India's Milestone and Mexico’s Role

Apple is on the cusp of unveiling the highly anticipated as Made-in-India models debut simultaneously with the global launch. This event underscores Apple's commitment to India's 'Made-in-India' initiative and opens doors for Mexican manufacturers to engage in fruitful collaborative ventures and assume pivotal roles within Apple's supply chain. Together, India and Mexico are poised to shape the future of Apple's global iPhone production, presenting vast opportunities for international supplier collaborations.

The 'Made-in-India' initiative, launched by the Indian government in 2014 to encourage foreign companies to manufacture in India, has been steadily gaining momentum. In recent years, Apple has been incrementally ramping up its production in India, with the iPhone 15 becoming the first model available worldwide on launch day. This move not only aligns with India's manufacturing goals but also enhances Apple's ability to cater to a rapidly growing market.

Manufactured by Foxconn at its Tamil Nadu plant, with a production capacity of 10 million iPhones annually, the iPhone 15 introduces several noteworthy features. These include the A17 Bionic chip, a 48MP primary camera and a USB Type-C port. This latest iteration of the iPhone comes in four distinct models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Prices are set to start at approximately US$799 for the iPhone 15 and up to US$1,099 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

This development carries significant implications for the Indian smartphone market, serving as a testament to Apple's steadfast commitment to India and the potential to stimulate iPhone sales within the country. Moreover, it creates opportunities for international supplier collaborations. Mexican manufacturers, with their robust manufacturing capabilities, skilled workforce and strategically advantageous location, stand poised to explore avenues for supporting the expansion of Apple's production operations in India.

"Several elements make Mexico a reliable partner for these operations. Mexico's border with the US and its strong manufacturing industry, which includes a specialized, skilled and cost-effective workforce, position the country to take the box seat for the growing US appetite for nearshoring,” said Sandra Sánchez-Oldenhage, CEO, PharmAdvice. Altogether, these capabilities have the potential to strengthen trade ties and enhance economic cooperation between India, Mexico and the US.

Beyond the iPhone 15, Apple's upcoming September event promises additional product launches, including the Apple Watch Series 9, featuring a new design and enhanced health features, the Apple Watch Ultra, a premium variant with enhanced durability and extended battery life and the AirPods Pro 2, anticipated to introduce a fresh design and improved audio quality