iPhone 15 Pro Max camera module
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As part of Apple's ongoing efforts to increase iPhone production in India, the company is now trying to find domestic camera module suppliers.
Apple has spent years trying to move from China-centric manufacturing to multi-base manufacturing. While Apple wants to significantly increase iPhone production in India in the coming years, it faces many challenges that could slow down progress.
One challenge is sourcing components, which Apple has solved in China by using streamlined supply chains to deliver components to assemblers in the region. At the moment, many components have to be sent to India for assembly there, but this may change over time.
According to Economic Times, Apple is reportedly in talks with Murugappa Group and Tata Titan Company to assemble and manufacture sub-components for iPhone camera modules.
Tata's Titan is a precision components manufacturer that produces elements for watches and jewelry. Murugappa is a century-old company with interests ranging from engineering to chemicals to financial services.
Sources familiar with the discussions say Apple has no camera module suppliers in India. A partnership with Murugappa or Titan would solve the problem.
One source said Apple will finalize its camera module partner selection within five to six months.
Equal Standing
Both potential sources have taken steps that could easily put them among the leaders of Apple's supply chain. As for Apple, if it can find a suitable source of components in India, it will not only be able to expand its presence in the country, but also do so with less international sourcing of components.
Murugappa Group acquired a 76% stake in camera module maker Moshine Electronics in 2022, potentially giving it an edge. One source says that with potential production, the company could even make the image sensor Apple requires for the device.
Titan, a Tata company, owns Titan Engineering and Automation, which manufactures high-precision components serving a variety of industries. The production of camera modules is also not difficult for the company.
Both Tata and Murugappa have qualified for government incentives to set up semiconductor assembly teams in India, including one $11 billion chip plant being built by Tata.
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