Leaked iPhone 16 Pro box label confirms “Made in India” production

We are marching towards the official event where Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 16. Although it is still a few weeks away, some sources have previously reported that Apple plans to expand production beyond China and manufacture the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max in India for the first time.

This move is intended to meet the expected demand for the standard iPhone 16 and Pro models this year. Foxconn has already started training thousands of workers at its factory in Tamil Nadu, India. Now, a new leak on Chinese social media platform Weibo confirms the news of “Made in India” iPhone 16 Pro models.

A leaker named OvO has shared an image of what appears to be the label sealing the iPhone 16 Pro's packaging. What's particularly interesting is that the label reads, “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in India.” While the authenticity of this leak remains uncertain, if true, it would be the first time we've seen an iPhone Pro model “Made in India.”

Apple is expected to assemble the new iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models at its partner Foxconn's Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu. Initial demand will reportedly be met through exports, but local production in India is expected to begin shortly after launch.

In addition to Foxconn, other Apple partners in India, such as Pegatron and Tata Group, are also expected to start producing the iPhone 16 Pro models soon. Last year, Apple began assembling the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models simultaneously in India and China, which was also a first for the country.

By shifting manufacturing from China to India, Apple can reduce the strain on its Chinese supply chain and potentially narrow the price gap for Indian customers, making its premium smartphones and other products more affordable.