India is exploring choices to convey a few of Apple’s iPad manufacturing to the nation from China, in accordance with two sources near the Indian authorities. The tech big is alleged to be holding ongoing discussions with officers. No concrete plans have been made, but when profitable, it might increase Apple’s footprint within the nation.

Apple introduced earlier this year it had begun assembling its flagship iPhone 14 in southern India. The tech big has been producing the older fashions of the iPhone within the nation for a couple of years.

The tech big’s ambitions to diversify extra of its provide chain away from China follows protests throughout the nation over the previous two weeks amid Beijing’s strict zero-Covid coverage. Apple warned in early November that  iPhone shipments can be delayed as a result of lockdowns in China, and analysts have been trimming iPhone estimates for the essential vacation quarter.

The Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that Apple is actively trying to shift manufacturing out of China to different nations in Asia, together with India and Vietnam.

However, sources warning {that a} lack of extremely expert expertise and people with experience in constructing extremely advanced units just like the iPad may decelerate these plans in India. The international coverage backdrop additionally does not assist, with tensions rising between India and China. The two nations have squared off in recent times over territorial disputes leading to escalated navy presence on the India-China border.

Gene Munster at Loop Ventures estimates that 10% of iPhones are manufactured in India, however expects manufacturing to extend a sluggish tempo.  

“I think in five years, 35% will be manufactured in India,” added Munster. “I think Apple will add iPhone production to other countries outside of India and China in the next five years. Perhaps Vietnam, Malaysia and the USA.”

In a notice to purchasers in the present day, Piper Jaffray’s Harsh Kumar wrote: “While Apple has made efforts to move production out of China, in our opinion, India still accounts for less than 5% of total iPhone 14 production and is likely to help only to a limited degree at this time.”

Apple declined to remark.