Apple's Indian Ecosystem Emerges as Top Job Creator

Since the launch of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphones in August 2021, Apple's presence in India has not only burgeoned but has also significantly contributed to the country's job market.

According to recent reports, the Apple ecosystem has directly employed over 150,000 candidates, primarily comprising first-time job seekers in the 19-24 age group. Additionally, an estimated 300,000 people have found indirect employment opportunities within the ecosystem.

The influx of jobs is a result of Apple's strategic focus on India, the world's second-largest smartphone market. Despite geopolitical tensions and challenges in key markets like the US and China, Apple has intensified its efforts in India. The company commenced local iPhone manufacturing in 2017, and with the advent of the PLI scheme, it substantially expanded its operations.

Apple's manufacturing partners, including Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron, have played a pivotal role in this growth trajectory. These companies, cleared to receive incentives under the PLI scheme, have collectively created over 77,000 direct jobs. Foxconn leads the pack with 41,000 jobs, followed by Wistron (27,300) and Pegatron (9,200). The increasing production demand has led to forecasts of hiring over 10,000 additional employees during peak production periods.

The success of Apple's Indian venture is evident from its production figures, which exceeded Rs 1 lakh crore in February FY24. These achievements have positioned Apple as possibly the largest phone manufacturer in India by value, surpassing the targets outlined in the PLI scheme.

Moreover, Apple's commitment to building a robust supplier ecosystem in India has further bolstered job creation. Over 70,000 new direct jobs have been generated by suppliers spread across states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana. Notable among these are Tata Electronics and Salcomp Technologies, which manufacture enclosures and power adaptors for iPhones, respectively. Additionally, Foxlink and Sunwoda contribute significantly by producing cables and batteries.

Furthermore, to support the burgeoning ecosystem, Apple recently launched an educational program focused on women's health as part of its $50-million Supplier Employee Development Fund.

In total, it's estimated that the Apple ecosystem has created over 4 lakh jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the last 32 months. This milestone underscores the company's commitment to India's growth story and its role as a significant contributor to the country's employment landscape. As Apple continues to expand its footprint in India, the prospects for job creation and economic development in the region remain promising.