Overview
- Apple is in early, exploratory discussions to have certain iPhone chips assembled and packaged in India, according to The Economic Times, with Apple declining comment and CG Semi calling the reports market speculation.
- Talks center on CG Semi’s outsourced semiconductor assembly and test site in Sanand, Gujarat, which targets commercial production in 2026 under a ₹7,600 crore project backed by government support and partners Renesas and Stars Microelectronics.
- Sources say display‑related driver ICs are the most likely candidates, as such packaging is currently concentrated in South Korea, Taiwan, and China.
- Industry sources caution that qualification would be challenging due to Apple’s stringent yield, quality, and certification requirements.
- The potential move fits a broader supply‑chain shift as Apple scales iPhone production in India and as India’s semiconductor ecosystem gains momentum, highlighted by Intel’s pact with Tata Electronics to explore local manufacturing and advanced packaging.