"Made in India: Google's Pixel Phones to Roll Off the Assembly Line"

20 Oct, 2023

"Made in India: Google's Pixel Phones to Roll Off the Assembly Line"

Google, one of the internet's major players, made a significant announcement on Thursday regarding the production of its Pixel phones in India. The company, led by Rick Osterloh, Head of Devices, revealed its plans to initiate manufacturing in India with the upcoming release of the Pixel 8, slated to hit the market in 2024. Osterloh emphasized that Google will collaborate with global manufacturers in India to establish its manufacturing operations. This strategic move not only reflects an early step in catering to the local demand for Pixel devices but also underscores Google's strong commitment to the "Make in India" initiative.

The announcement was made in the presence of India's Telecom Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, further cementing Google's dedication to bolstering its presence in the Indian market.

Google joins a growing list of tech giants investing in Indian manufacturing capabilities.

Notably, Apple Inc. and Foxconn have already commenced the production of mobile devices in India, marking a notable shift in their strategies.

In September, Apple revealed its plans to manufacture the iPhone 15 in India, with the intention of making it available to consumers in the South Asian country. This move not only underscores India's increasing prowess in production but also represents Apple's transition from its previous approach of selling China-manufactured devices globally. For Apple, this is a pivotal step in realizing its "China+1" strategy, aimed at bridging the gap between its Indian operations and its primary manufacturing bases in China.

Taiwan-based Foxconn, the world's largest contract manufacturer of electronics, has also made significant strides in expanding its footprint in India. The company has made substantial investments in manufacturing facilities in the southern region of the country as part of its efforts to diversify away from China. Notably, Foxconn operates an iPhone factory in the state of Tamil Nadu, employing around 40,000 individuals. "India will be an important country in terms of manufacturing in the future," stated Young Liu, Chairman and CEO of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn).

India's pursuit of self-reliance, as part of the "Atmanirbharta" initiative, has positioned the country as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, trailing only behind China. This growth underscores India's increasing significance in the global manufacturing landscape.

In conclusion, Google's decision to manufacture Pixel phones in India, coupled with Apple and Foxconn's growing investments in the country, highlights India's emergence as a crucial hub for mobile device production. This shift not only caters to local demand but also signifies a major milestone in these tech giants' strategies to diversify their manufacturing bases.