Foxconn Technology to kick off trial production of latest iPhones in India

Foxconn Technology Group is within weeks of starting trial production of the latest iPhones in India as Apple seeks to revive its fortunes in the country, people familiar with the matter said.

The trial run of the iPhone X range of devices would come before Foxconn starts full-scale assembly at its factory outside Chennai, the people said, asking not to be identified as the plans are private. Wistron Corp. already produces older models, such as the iPhone 6s, iPhone SE and iPhone 7, at a plant in Bengaluru.

Apple has become a minor player in India with about 1 percent of the country’s shipments as its higher prices deter customers in the world’s fastest growing major market. Production in India would help the Cupertino, California-based company avoid import duties of 20 percent and also meet the 30 per cent local sourcing rule that would allow it to open its own stores in the country.