Source to ChinaTimes, according to rumors in the mobile industry, due to increasing uncertainties in the mainland Chinese market, Apple plans to make India one of the first launch markets for its iPhone 15 series and aims to produce the iPhone 15 series simultaneously in India and China. By manufacturing and selling locally in India, Apple hopes to reduce the uncertainties in the Chinese market.

Reports from ICsmart suggest that industry rumors indicate that as mainland China continues to increase regulatory measures, Apple is also accelerating its expansion into India to mitigate uncertainties in the Chinese market. Suppliers have revealed that in the past, the production of new iPhones in India lagged behind China by about a year, but last year, the production gap had narrowed to approximately one month. Apple is now even more determined to expedite the production of the iPhone 15 in India this year, with the goal of achieving near-simultaneous production in both China and India or reducing the production gap to within 10 days.

The report points out that before the iPhone 14, Apple only assembled a small portion of its phones in India, with a shipment schedule lagging behind China by 6 to 9 months. However, this gap was significantly reduced last year. By the end of March this year, 7% of Apple’s iPhones were produced in India. Foreign estimates suggest that by around 2025, the proportion of iPhones manufactured in India could reach 25%.

TrendForce believes India will become the second-largest production site for iPhone

According to TrendForce insights, Apple is indeed aiming to produce more iPhones in India. From the iPhone 14 series, The company manufactured iPhones almost simultaneously in India and China, reducing the initial production gap between the two countries.

If we take a look at iPhone assembly capacity, there is still around 5% in India. Although Apple plans to bring not only assembly but also key component vendors from China to India, supply chain partners are showing a passive attitude toward establishing production sites there, considering India’s policies, languages, cultural factors, and vulnerable infrastructures.

Foreign vendors will face the challenges above, however, as for Indian local vendors, challenges are mainly on technical capabilities, Therefore the most effective way to enter Apple’s supply chain is to acquire companies/factories that are already on the certified list. Just like the Tata Group did.

Also, TrendForce indicates, that with Apple’s intention, PLI, and the following incentive policies, we believe India will gradually become the second-largest production site of the iPhone in the future. However foreign vendors should be willing to suffer higher costs or successfully obtain any form of compensation from Apple, otherwise the transition process will continue to be slow.

The Indian “Economic Times” notes that with the release of the iPhone 15 series this week, the Indian market has the opportunity to be among the first countries for sales. Additionally, it is expected that after December, iPhones manufactured in India will be exported to Europe and the United States, signaling Apple’s progress in diversifying its supply chain. Apple is already the largest smartphone exporter in India.

The report indicates that Apple has raised its annual growth target for sales in over 200 premium retail stores in India for the second and third quarters to nearly 100%. Apple CEO Tim Cook also mentioned in the latest earnings conference call that the company broke its revenue record in India, the world’s third-largest smartphone market, and achieved double-digit sales growth.

(Source: https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20230912005365-260409?chdtv)

According to the media source from TechNews, as rumored, Apple has made significant changes to its iPhone 15 series this year to comply with EU regulations. All four models in the lineup now feature USB-C charging ports. However, the Pro version’s USB-C port will provide USB 3-level transfer speeds.

TrendForce: iPhone 15 Production is Projected to Reach 80M in  2023, still at Downward Revision Risk

According to TrendForce analysis published before the Apple event, Apple’s latest product launch largely aligns with TrendForce’s predictions. Although the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max was increased by US$100, it also received upgrades in NAND capacity (256GB) and a periscope-style lens. This pricing seems reasonable given the current weak economy. Unfortunately, the strong US dollar might affect consumer enthusiasm due to the differences in currency exchange in overseas sales regions.

Furthermore, based on TrendForce’s research, the Chinese market has always been one of the main focal points for Apple, accounting for 20~25% of the brand’s sales. With Huawei’s recent flagship series launch, combined with the Chinese government’s restrictions on iPhone usage, there might be a shift in consumer demand away from the iPhone. TrendForce estimates that production of this year’s new models will be around 80 million units, with the Pro series potentially accounting for up to 60% of that. As for the annual forecast, there’s a projected 5% YoY decline, and further downward revisions have not been ruled out.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

The budget-friendly iPhone 15 has also ditched the notch and adopted a dynamic island design. The main camera has been upgraded to 48 million pixels, and it introduces a new 2x telephoto lens option, offering users a total of three levels of optical zoom. Both models also feature colored glass back panels with a stunning textured matte finish and a new curved-edge aluminum body.

Furthermore, the satellite rescue feature in the iPhone 15 series has received a minor upgrade, now offering “Satellite-Transmitted Roadside Assistance.” Leveraging Apple’s satellite infrastructure, this feature can help users contact the U.S. AAA roadside assistance unit in case of car breakdowns when there is no signal.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have upgraded to the A16 Bionic chip and come in display sizes of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. The HDR peak brightness has been improved, now reaching up to 1,600 nits, making HDR photos and videos look better than ever before. On sunny days, the outdoor peak brightness can go up to 2,000 nits, which is double that of the previous generation.

Both models feature the second-generation ultra-wideband chip, extending the range for devices equipped with it up to three times the previous range. This allows users to locate each other using the “Precision Finding” feature, even in crowded places. “Precision Finding” maintains the same privacy protections as “Find” and has earned users’ trust.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The starting price for the iPhone 15 is 29,900 NT dollars, while the iPhone 15 Plus starts at 32,900 NT dollars. Pre-orders begin on September 15th at 8:00 PM, with deliveries starting on September 22nd.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

This year, the standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro is the use of aerospace-grade titanium for its body, claiming to be the lightest Pro model ever while retaining high strength. The new design also includes curved edges and customizable “gesture” buttons, allowing users to personalize their iPhone experience.

The iPhone 15 Pro series has also switched to a USB-C charging port, but the Pro version offers USB 3-level super-fast speeds, up to 20 times faster than USB 2. Combined with a new video format, it enables powerful professional workflows previously unattainable.

As rumored, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a periscope lens with 5x optical zoom at 120mm. The Pro Max introduces an innovative four-element periscope prism design in its telephoto camera, along with optical image stabilization and an auto-focus 3D displacement sensor module. This creates Apple’s most advanced stabilization system to date, suitable for close-ups, wildlife photography, and capturing distant action perfectly.

Both models also introduce the “Satellite-Based Roadside Assistance” feature, allowing users to get assistance even without a signal when their vehicle encounters problems.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in four stunning new finishes: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. The products will be open for pre-order on September 15th, with deliveries starting on September 22nd. (Image credit: Apple)

(Source: https://technews.tw/2023/09/13/iphone-15-usb-c-iphone/)

The Chinese supply chain, led by Luxshare Precision, has secured Apple AirPods and iPhone assembly orders, while another ODM manufacturer Wingtec Technology, is gradually taking a slice of Taiwan-based orders. This development is poised to impact orders from Apple’s notebook computer between Taiwanese and Chinese factories, creating a ripple effect within the whole supply chain.

TrendForce’s Perspective:

• Taiwanese Manufacturers Face Reallocated Apple Notebook Orders as Chinese Suppliers Strengthen Their Position

Regarding Apple, MacBook assembly was primarily handled by Taiwanese manufacturers Quanta and Foxconn until 2022. With Chinese firm Wingtec progressing from small-scale trial production to mass production of M1 MacBook Air, according to reports in Chinese media, Wingtec’s Yunnan Kunming factory has also received 3C quality certification for M2 chips. This confirms that Wingtec Technology will take on a portion of the future MacBook Air orders. As Foxconn secures the production of larger MacBook Pro models, this shift will primarily affect Quanta’s share in producing Apple computers. Wingtec is set to become the first Chinese factory to manufacture complete Apple MacBook Air units. If Wingtec consistently meets Apple’s product quality requirements and secures additional orders, the fourth quarter of 2023 will become a battleground for Taiwanese manufacturers defending their orders for Apple notebook computers.

• The Taiwanese factories are accelerating the relocation of Apple notebook order production bases to Southeast Asia.

Given the slower recovery of the COVID-19 situation in China, rising labor costs, production capacity constraints, and restricted order volumes approved by customers, various electronic contract manufacturers have shifted their production focus to Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Configuring production capacities for new and existing models, operating new factories, and rapidly transitioning supply chains are challenges of Taiwanese factories.

As Apple’s revenue from notebook computer products gradually contracts, the company is actively pressuring contract manufacturers to lower their product quotes. Additionally, China faces difficulties in recruiting workers, with local manufacturing labor transitioning into service-oriented roles such as live streaming, food delivery, and ride-hailing. This labor shortage has prompted Apple to actively demand that Taiwanese contract manufacturers accelerate the adoption of automation equipment to streamline factory operations, increase production output, and reduce labor costs. In light of the pressure from Apple’s orders and the emergence of the Chinese notebook computer supply chain, Taiwanese factories need to undergo further transformation to maintain their alignment with Apple and offer greater productivity and price advantages.

(Photo credit: Apple)

In the realm of specifications competition, desktop computers continue to possess numerous irreplaceable advantages. These include ease of upgrading, superior heat dissipation capabilities, and robust and durable construction, resulting in extended usage lifespans. As a result, desktop computers maintain a steadfast market demand. Due to the ease of component replacement in desktops, expandability remains a significant advantage for PC gamers. For creators and business professionals, desktop computers satisfy extensive external connectivity needs while offering superior heat dissipation. Furthermore, owing to the size limitations of laptops, desktop computers continue to provide a more comfortable user experience during prolonged usage.

Windows 10 Exit and Hardware Updates Set to Drive 2024 Upgrade Trend

In the latter half of 2022, brands and retailers aggressively cleared their inventories, a trend that continued into 2023, resulting in a sustained challenging period for the PC market. In recent years, the PC market has approached saturation, making it difficult to drive market growth through sheer quantity. Consequently, brand manufacturers have focused on business, gaming, and creator products. However, PCs inherently belong to a cyclical terminal market. With the Windows 10 operating system set to retire in October 2025 and Windows 11’s heightened hardware specifications requirements, products released before 2017 will require replacements. Additionally, it is anticipated that companies like Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA will gradually unveil new products in the latter half of 2023. This, coupled with the demands of the new operating system, is expected to trigger a noticeable upgrade trend among consumers, ultimately providing a glimmer of hope for the PC market. (Image credit: Unsplash_Alienwaregaming)

Apple is slated to unveil four new iPhone models in mid-September: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. TrendForce predicts a production figure of approximately 80 million units for the iPhone 15 series. This represents a 6% YoY growth, bouncing back from last year’s Foxconn-related production hiccups. The Pro series, armed with smoother production cycles and the Pro Max’s exclusive periscope lens, is poised to be a consumer magnet and potentially propel the Pro series to constitute over 60% of Apple’s new device production. However, with overall gloomy market sentiment and Huawei’s comeback in full swing, Apple’s total iPhone sales for the year may take a hit, expected to hover between 220 to 225 million units for a 5% YoY decline.

In regard to specifications for the iPhone 15 series, several noteworthy hardware upgrades have been made. Compliance with EU regulations has led Apple to jump on the USB Type-C bandwagon this year. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will come with significant camera upgrades, sporting a 48MP main sensor to align with the Pro series. Furthermore, they will also be featuring Apple’s Dynamic Island. On the other hand, the Pro series promises cutting-edge processor upgrades, increased Dram capacity, and introduces a titanium-aluminum alloy frame. The Pro Max also intends to elevate mobile photography to the next level with its exclusive periscope lens.

Advances in technology, while exciting, can also ratchet up the intricacies of mass production. Reports of component snags and assembly issues have surfaced as production of the new iPhone models revs up in the third quarter. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, in particular, have been grappling with lower-than-expected yield rates for their new 48MP cameras. Meanwhile, the Pro series is confronting challenges with panel and titanium alloy frame assembly. However, evidence suggests that the Pro series is likely to overcome its obstacles more swiftly than its non-Pro counterparts.

iPhone 15 Pro Max may see a price increase to reflect cost differences

In light of the global economic downturn, Apple is contemplating a cautious pricing strategy to preserve its sales volumes. While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus boast 48MP main cameras, they’ll inherit the A16 processor from the iPhone 14 Pro series, with no other significant upgrades. Hence, their starting prices are projected to be aggressively competitive. The iPhone 15 Pro may sport several enhancements that inflate costs, yet these are anticipated to be offset by cost reductions in other components.

Overall, TrendForce predicts a stable pricing landscape for the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro, largely mirroring last year’s figures. The Pro Max, however, is a different story. Equipped with an exclusive high-cost periscope lens, it’s expected to command a premium—likely a bump of up to US$100—to reflect its increased production costs. Should this price adjustment materialize, it would mark the first such move since the era of the iPhone X.