Japanese tech giant TDK Corp to make iPhone batteries in India, announces IT Minister Chandrasekhar

In a major boost for Make in India, and for Apple’s plan to manufacture components of the iPhone locally in India, Japanese electronic parts manufacturer TDK Corp will manufacture lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells for Apple iPhones in India, announced IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. This development is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify its production base and shift some manufacturing operations away from China, with India emerging as a pivotal growth driver.

Another big win for PM @narendramodi ji's visionary PLI scheme in shifting the mobile manufacturing ecosystem to India.

TDK, a leading supplier of cells to Apple, is setting up a 180-acre facility in Manesar, Haryana to build cells for batteries which will be used in the… pic.twitter.com/hyJAf6yeqO

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) December 4, 2023

Apple’s foray into Indian production commenced in 2017, initially through Wistron and subsequently through Foxconn. The tech giant currently collaborates with a total of 14 suppliers in India, emphasizing its commitment to the Indian market as a key manufacturing hub. TDK will establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in the northern state of Haryana, a move expected to generate several thousand job opportunities in the region, as highlighted by Deputy Minister for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a social media announcement. The news, initially reported by Business Standard on Sunday, underscores TDK’s role as a leading electronic component and device maker from Japan. According to sources familiar with the matter, TDK will manufacture the battery cells in India to power iPhones assembled within the country. This strategic alignment with Apple’s supply chain diversification efforts is anticipated to strengthen India’s position within the global production network. The Li-ion battery cells produced by TDK will be supplied to Apple’s designated Li-ion battery assembler, Sunwoda Electronics, which is already operational in India. Sunwoda Electronics currently imports battery cells from various global markets. This collaboration is poised to streamline the supply chain for Apple’s iPhone production in India, supporting the company’s vision of sustainable and localized manufacturing. TDK, known for its acquisition of Hong Kong-based Li-ion battery and cell maker Amperex Technology Ltd in 2005, recently acquired land in Haryana for the establishment of a manufacturing unit. This facility is expected to play a pivotal role in producing Li-ion battery cells, including those destined for Apple iPhones. Commercial production, with a focus on supplying cells to Apple, is slated to commence in the near future, signalling a significant milestone in the collaboration between TDK and Apple in the Indian manufacturing landscape. (With input from agencies)