Apple is following in the steps of Samsung as it is shutting down its production line that assembles iPhones in India. The move arrives after the Coronavirus pandemic pressures the local government to take drastic measures, reflecting on the smartphone industry as well.
For those unaware, the Indian Government has just implemented a three week long complete lockdown earlier this week. The step was taken to curb the further spreading of the viral outbreak which had originated from China. In just a short period of time, there have been confirmed cases of Coronavirus being found in upwards of 170 countries, with India already facing over 500 cases as well. Thus, the lockdown has been implemented prompting Indian citizens to stay confined to their homes.
Apple assembles a few of its iPhone models in India through known manufacturer’s Foxconn and Wistron. But according to a new report, Foxconn is shutting its operations until 14th April 2020. Wistron is also facing a similar dilemma and has confirmed its lockdown. As of right now, it is unknown as to why exactly the factory sites have been shut. It has either been in compliance with local authorities or after confirmed cases being found in the production lines. Both cases represent a dire state for Apple India.
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Previously, we had reported on other electronics brands like Samsung, LG, Oppo and Vivo also facing a similar predicament. It seems like the effects are covering a wider base and that more sites will close down in the coming weeks. The COVID-19 virus has been one of the biggest outbreaks in recent history, so cautionary practices are all but expected.
It remains to be seen just how severely the economy and the smartphone industry as a whole is affected. Xiaomi, the most popular brand in India, will likely also suffer from these effects after the Foxconn production sites closed down. Fortunately for Apple, only older and previous generations of iPhones were made in India, so its latest offerings shouldn’t see a severe decline in the Southeast Asian country.
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(Via)
