iPhone 12 production at the Foxconn factory in India has been halted, due to protests over food poisoning at the plant. Reuters reports that Foxconn’s manufacturing plant near Chennai in southern India is set to remain shut this week after protests by workers.
Protestors reportedly blocked a major highway leading to the plant to protest 150 employees being admitted to hospital with food poisoning last week. The incident is just one of many other employee concerns that have since been reported to the state labor ministry.
While the temporary closure is expected to have a minimal impact on Apple’s plans short term, it could have ramifications on Apple’s 2022 iPhone production. Apple is also facing supply constraints around the globe that are affecting the production of many Apple products. Shortages are expected to worsen during the holiday quarter.
Earlier today, it was reported that Apple will begin mass production of its flagship iPhone 13 handset in India early next year. The Foxconn plant is expected to directly supply the Indian market as well as help fulfill overseas demand. 20-30% of iPhones produced in India are usually earmarked for export.
Since the iPhone 13 lineup’s launch in September, the iPhone 13 has proven to be the most popular iPhone 13 model in India, outselling both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are reported to be the best-selling iPhones in the country. Both models are produced by Foxconn. Meanwhile, the second-generation iPhone SE is assembled by the Wistron factory in Bengaluru.
