In a strategic move to strengthen its supply chain diversification and reinforce its presence in India, Apple Inc. has entrusted the Tata Group with after-sales repair responsibilities for iPhones and MacBooks, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter.
This marks a significant expansion of Tata’s role within Apple’s ecosystem. The Indian conglomerate already assembles iPhones for both domestic and international markets across three facilities in southern India, one of which also manufactures key iPhone components. The latest development will see Tata assume control of complex repair operations from ICT Service Management Solutions, the Indian subsidiary of Taiwan-based Wistron. These repairs will be handled at Tata’s iPhone assembly plant in Karnataka.
India, now the world’s second-largest smartphone market, has seen surging demand for Apple products. Counterpoint Research reports that approximately 11 million iPhones were sold in the country in 2023, lifting Apple’s market share to 7%, up from just 1% in 2020. As the installed base expands, the repair services market is expected to see corresponding growth.
“This growing mandate reflects Apple’s increasing confidence in Tata,” one source told Reuters. Analysts believe this move could also lay the foundation for Apple to introduce refurbished devices in India—a model that has proven successful in the United States.
“Tata’s deepening partnership with Apple could also pave the groundwork for Apple directly selling refurbished devices in India, like how it does in the United States currently,” noted Prabhu Ram, Vice President at CyberMedia Research.
The transition from Wistron’s ICT unit to Tata is currently underway. While Apple’s authorised service centers in India will continue to manage basic repairs, more complex issues will now be routed to Tata’s advanced facility. Wistron’s ICT division will continue to support non-Apple clients, Reuters reported.
This shift aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of reducing reliance on China amid rising geopolitical tensions. India is increasingly central to Apple’s manufacturing roadmap. CEO Tim Cook recently stated that a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. during the June quarter will be manufactured in India, underscoring the country’s growing importance in Apple’s global operations.
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