Apple will launch the iPhone 17 series on September 9 at its “Awe Dropping” event. But while people are excited about the new phones, another big change is happening behind the scenes.
Apple is telling its suppliers to start using robots and automation instead of depending too much on human workers. The company wants to reduce risks, keep quality the same everywhere, and move more production outside China. This move is already affecting India, where Foxconn and Tata are making iPhone 17 units.
Apple Wants Robots to Do the Job
A report says Apple is speeding up the use of robots in its factories. For the last two years, Apple has been asking suppliers to use more automation. Now, it has made it a rule, no automation, no contract. This new rule applies to all Apple products, like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Apple thinks automation will help reduce mistakes, keep product quality stable, and cut costs in the long run. It also makes Apple less dependent on workers, especially in countries where wages are rising or labour laws are strict.
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High Costs for Suppliers
Earlier, Apple used to pay for machines and tools for its suppliers. This time, Apple wants suppliers to buy and set up their own robots. That means suppliers must spend a lot of money up front. Many of them are already struggling with high costs and lower profits. Shifting from human labour to robots is also slowing their production for now.
Even so, Apple says it will continue helping suppliers in areas like green energy and sustainability. Apple’s goal is to make its supply chain fully carbon-neutral by 2030.
Why Apple is Doing This?
Apple’s push for robots is not only about saving money. The company also wants to depend less on China. Rising tensions and risks there make it difficult for Apple to keep production safe. By using robots, Apple can make sure its products look and work the same no matter where they are made.
Apple’s strategy to expand production to nations like Vietnam and India is also aided by automation. Robots make it simpler to swiftly switch production if one nation experiences issues.
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India’s Big Role in Apple’s Plans
India is becoming an important hub for Apple. Foxconn and Tata already run five iPhone factories in the country. Reports say Foxconn has started small-scale production of the iPhone 17 in Bengaluru. All four models of the new iPhone 17 series will be made in India.
This shows Apple’s growing trust in India. With automation, Indian factories may soon make even more iPhones for the global market.
Robots and ‘Made in India’
Apple’s move towards automation is changing global manufacturing. While suppliers may face problems now, the long-term impact will be huge. For India, this could be a major opportunity. If Indian factories adapt to Apple’s automation push, India could soon become one of Apple’s biggest iPhone-making bases in the world.
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