New Delhi: The iPhone 16 series has officially hit the global market. The excitement surrounding these new devices is palpable in India, considering that some models are being produced domestically. This means that Indian consumers can enjoy the latest Apple technology while also supporting local manufacturing.
Key Features and Enhancements
While the exact specifications may vary slightly between models, here are some of the key features that we know about the iPhone 16 series:
- Improved Cameras: Expect advancements in camera technology, including enhanced low-light performance, better portrait mode, and potentially new features like cinematic mode.
- Powerful Processors: The A18 Bionic chip is likely to power these devices, offering significant performance boosts for tasks like gaming, video editing, and augmented reality.
- Larger Displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to feature even larger displays, providing a more immersive experience for content consumption.
- Enhanced Battery Life: Apple has consistently focused on improving battery life in its iPhones, and the iPhone 16 series is no exception.
- Design Refinements: While the overall design might not be drastically different from its predecessors, expect subtle refinements like new color options and improved materials.
Apple’s new iPhone 16 series, unveiled at the Glowtime event on September 9, includes four models: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. Key highlights:
- Global Launch: The series has been introduced in over 60 countries, including the US, China, India, and South Korea.
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- India Production: For the first time, Apple will assemble its high-end Pro series in India, marking a significant step for local manufacturing.
- Lower Pricing for Pro Models: Thanks to recent import duty cuts, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are priced lower in India compared to the previous generation. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at Rs 1,19,900, while the 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900.
- Massive Pre-sale Demand: Over 37 million iPhones were available for pre-sale ahead of the series launch in India on September 20, indicating strong demand.
How India Played a Big Role in Making the Apple iPhone 16
- Made in India: The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are being manufactured in India, marking a significant milestone for the “Make in India” initiative.
- Global Impact: India-produced iPhones will be shipped worldwide, reflecting the country’s growing manufacturing prowess. The iPhone 16 could be the first India-made iPhone available for global shipping soon after its release.
- Key Government Initiative: India’s Communication and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, credited the “Make in India” initiative for driving the production of the iPhone 16 globally, calling it an iconic achievement.
- Increase in Manufacturing: India doubled its iPhone production to USD 14 billion in FY24, with one in every seven iPhones globally now being made in India.
- Future Plans: Apple aims to shift 25% of its global manufacturing to India by 2025, up from the current 14%.
- Strategic Vendors: Apple’s production in India is supported by key vendors—Foxconn Hon Hai, Pegatron, and Wistron (now Tata-owned)—participating in India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
- CEO’s Statement: Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the need to produce in India to stay competitive, given India’s rapidly growing smartphone market.