Apple and its main assembly partner Foxconn finally have iPhone 13 production underway in India, following a delay over the horrendous working conditions uncovered at the Foxconn plant in Chennai. The production was confirmed to Reuters, as Apple continues its push to diversify its product supply chain outside of China.
Apple sees India as its solution to get away from China when it comes to its assembly effort, and India has become home base for many of Apple’s products. The Cupertino firm began production of the iPhone 12 in the country last year, and Reuters reports Apple has plans to begin iPad production there soon.
The move to full production was delayed after workers protested unsanitary living conditions, which included worms in their food. Foxconn was forced to close the plant and the plant was also placed on probation by Apple until conditions at the plant improved.
The Indian government has developed several schemes to increase the local production of several devices, cut costs, and offer employment opportunities. The first iPhone produced there was the iPhone SE in 2017.