Apple has begun training its workers at its Sriperumbudur factory in Tamil Nadu to manufacture the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max ahead of the September launch, reports Bloomberg News.
In a first, the Cupertino giant is planning to assemble its premium iPhone models through its parter Foxconn within weeks of their global launch.
The new production introduction (NPI) for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will begin soon. Bloomberg News said Apple's other Indian partners Tata Group and Pegatron might also commence manufacture of the Pro models.
The iPhone maker has been mulling local production of Pro models for several years. However, it is unlikely to reduce price of the new iPhone 16 compared to the imported models. Once the new iPhone models are launched in September, mass production will begin. In 2023, Apple shipped 10 million iPhones up from six million units in 2022.
Apple is also expected to begin AirPods production in the country by early 2025.
Meanwhile, iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to be launched in four colours including White Titanium, Black Titanium, Natural Titanium besides a new Bronze variant. The Bronze model, dubbed Desert Titanium, is rumoured to replace the existing Blue Titanium.
Reports also suggest that iPhone 16 Pro models will have a glossier look compared to the brushed finish of iPhone 15 Pro models.
