Recently, data disclosed by Indian media shows that in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Apple assembled low-end models in India worth approximately $14 billion, accounting for 14% of its global production. However, high-end models still choose to be assembled in China. This data reflects Apple's strategic adjustment in its global production layout, but the quality issues that come with it have attracted widespread attention.

Multiple disassembly videos circulating on social media platforms have revealed numerous flaws in the Apple phones assembled in India. In the video, obvious fingerprint imprints on the motherboard and dust inside the camera are exposed one by one, which directly challenges Apple's long-standing "zero defect" production standard. According to British media reports, only about half of the Apple phone components produced from the Indian production line are of qualified quality, which undoubtedly casts a shadow over Apple's brand image and market performance.

Apple's latest quarterly financial report shows that its revenue in Greater China decreased by 6.5% year-on-year in the second quarter. Analysts point out that quality issues with Apple phones assembled in India may be one of the main reasons for this revenue decline. Consumers are disappointed with the quality issues of high priced Apple phones, which in turn affects their purchasing decisions. This chain reaction not only affects Apple's performance in the Chinese market, but also extends to other markets such as Europe.

Faced with this dilemma, Apple had to adopt strategies such as price reductions and promotions to revive the market. However, this is not a long-term solution, and how to fundamentally solve the quality problems of Indian manufacturing has become a pressing issue for Apple.

In fact, Apple's strategic layout for manufacturing in India has not been smooth sailing. Although Indian Prime Minister Modi has proposed the "Make in India" strategy since taking office in 2014, aimed at attracting foreign investment and production in India, the country's manufacturing foundation and supply chain system are still incomplete, posing many challenges for foreign-funded enterprises. The quality control issues encountered by Apple in its manufacturing process in India are a microcosm of this dilemma.

To address these issues, Apple may need to increase its investment in India and enhance the production capacity and technological level of local suppliers. At the same time, Apple also needs to strengthen supervision and quality control of the manufacturing process in India to ensure that products meet its "zero defect" production standards. In addition, Apple can also consider maintaining close cooperation with China's supply chain system and utilizing China's manufacturing advantages to compensate for the shortcomings of Indian manufacturing.

Apple's performance in the Indian market will depend on how it responds to these challenges. With the continuous changes in the global market and intensified competition, Apple needs to constantly adjust and optimize its production layout and supply chain system to ensure its leading position in the global market.