The last time we discussed Apple’s iPhone manufacturing plans for India, we’d reported that two manufacturers have signed up to set up shop in India. However, we are still to hear anything official from Apple.
Apple is yet to file for a manufacturing permit with the government.
It’s one thing to have partners ready to build products for you, it’s quite another to actually do it. Especially when you’re trying to manufacture in a foreign land. There’s always the red-tape that needs to be crossed; a lot of sluggish bureaucratic waters to be waded through, and of course, a bunch of money that needs to be spent! So ideally, you’d want to start early, fill out the paperwork well in advance, and hit the ground running.
However, that’s not what Apple seems to be doing. For a company that’s famous for its attention to detail, it seems woefully ignorant of the fact that it has not even put into play the process that would allow them to manufacture on the Indian shores.
Is there a clear reason for Apple’s apparent lack of interest?
From what we can see, there are only two possible explanations:
- Apple has some special agreement with the government already (possibly made in secret) and they are a hundred percent sure that their proposal will go through when the time comes. So why bother now?
OR - Disheartened from their recent experiences in India, Apple has just given up on the dreams of manufacturing right now. They’ll visit the issue when things are more opportune for them.
We understand that both the cases are extreme ends of the spectrum. However, in the wake of a complete lack of any concrete information, we’re left with no choice but to speculate. For now, we’ve only got one hard evidence on file, and that’s a passing statement by Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Gadgets36o has reported: “After meeting senior officials from manufacturing giant Foxconn, partner of Apple, the then telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in May had said the Cupertino-based technology major was coming to manufacture iPhones in India.”
So that’s all we’ve got to go on right now. We’ll keep you guys updated if there’s any change, obviously. So keep an eye out for this space. In the meanwhile, don’t forget to read how Apple’s iconic Stores finally get a green light from the Government!
