Government may launch new PLI scheme to make tech products in India, this will start iPad assembly here

Apple is preparing to participate in the new scheme to promote the export of computer products in India. Government and industry sources say that the company is planning to start iPad manufacturing in the country.

Last year, the Prime Minister launched a Rs 48,630 crore scheme to boost electronics manufacturing, smartphone exports and jobs. Apple participated in the scheme through contract manufacturing and increased iPhone production in India to reduce dependence on China.

Tablets, laptops and servers made in India

According to sources, the government is now preparing to introduce another incentive scheme to promote local manufacturing of IT products such as tablets, laptops and servers. The new PLI scheme, which provides cash-back to manufacturers for export, will have a five-year budget of Rs 7,000 crore. It is expected to be launched by the end of February.

Different schemes will be launched for wearable devices

In addition, the government plans to launch a new scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of wearable devices such as smartwatches. This scheme may cost about 5 thousand crores in five years. The plan can be announced within two months.

Will soon get made in India iPad

Apple assembles iPad extensively in China, but is rapidly ramping up production in markets such as India and Vietnam to mitigate the effects of the Indo-China Trade War and the coronavirus crisis. Apple India will likely start assembling the iPad with one of its current suppliers in the country early this year.

Apple’s three contract manufacturers in India

The government is also asking Apple to bring the assembled iPad to India by its contract manufacturers (non-Chinese companies). At the moment it is not clear which of the three Apple contractors in India (Foxconn, Wistron and Pegatron) will assemble the iPad.