Overview
- Multiple outlets report exploratory discussions between Apple and CG Semi about assembling and packaging certain iPhone chips in India, marking a potential first for Apple’s chip packaging in the country.
- Sources say the specific components are undecided, with display‑related chips seen as the most likely candidates, and they caution that Apple’s stringent supplier approvals could be a significant hurdle.
- Apple has not confirmed the talks and declined to comment, and CG Semi said it does not comment on market speculation but will disclose information if there is something concrete to share.
- CG Semi is building a ₹7,600 crore government‑backed OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat, with partners Renesas and Stars Microelectronics, and targets commercial production in 2026 after inaugurating its G1 line in 2025.
- The potential move aligns with Apple’s deepening India strategy—about $22 billion in iPhones were assembled there in the year to March 2025 and Apple is aiming to make most U.S. iPhone supply in India by end‑2026—and follows an Intel–Tata pact to explore local manufacturing and packaging.