In a significant boost to India's local manufacturing sector, Apple Inc. is preparing to launch its ‘Make in India’ iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models soon after the global release this fall, according to industry sources. 

Sources revealed that these high-end models, assembled in India, will be available within 1-2 months of the global launch, facilitated through Apple’s partnership with leading manufacturer Foxconn at its facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. This move highlights Apple's ongoing commitment to bolstering its manufacturing footprint in India.

The iPhone 16 is slated for availability on the first day of global sales in India, continuing the trend from last year when the iPhone 15 was launched simultaneously with the global release. The iPhone 16 Plus models will follow shortly thereafter, sources added.

Last year, pre-orders for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus surpassed expectations, with demand nearly 50 percent higher than for the previous iPhone 14 series. 

This development comes on the heels of Apple's record export numbers in India for the April-June quarter, which reached approximately $3.8 billion, driven by the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Industry estimates project a more than 20 percent increase in iPhone shipments this year, buoyed by domestic manufacturing and robust distribution networks.

Apple’s strategy has increasingly centered on India, integrating ‘Make in India’ devices into its global sales strategy and supporting ISRO's NavIC GPS system. Industry experts note a growing trend of first-time iPhone users in India, alongside strong sales of previous-generation devices, contributing to Apple’s expanding market share.

In the first quarter of this year, India’s smartphone market saw 34 million units shipped, with Apple achieving a record 19 percent year-on-year growth. The company reported around $8 billion in sales in India for the last fiscal year (FY24), marking a nearly 33 percent increase from the previous year.

This growth is attributed to Apple's enhanced brand presence, increased manufacturing capabilities, and retail focus in India. Amid escalating US-China tensions, experts view India as a strategic alternative for Apple, offering a diversified manufacturing and revenue base.