In addition to Foxconn, Apple assigned a large number of orders to produce high-end iPhone 16 series to BYD, a partner who only assembles iPads.
iPhone 16 rendering. Photo: 9to5macs.
Apple will only introduce the iPhone 16 in two months, but the production of the device at its partners is at its busiest. China’s FixFocusDigital said that most of the OEMs involved in the process of perfecting Apple’s flagship phone line are still located in the country of billions of people.
In particular, BYD has risen to become an important partner of Apple in assembling smartphones, sharing the order volume that belongs to Foxconn.
In early March, BYD Chairman had a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook as a supplier of the American company. Chinese OEMs demonstrate smart manufacturing technology and critical components they have contributed to Apple products. This cooperation has taken another step forward this year.
CEO Tim Cook meets with BYD leaders during a visit to China. Photo: Tim Cook.
The shipment target of the iPhone 16 series this year is 90 million units. Therefore, Apple needs to trust familiar partners in China with a full supply chain. The process of shifting and assembling the iPhone in India was not carried out as expected by the company. The country of billions of people still accounts for a large proportion of Apple’s manufactured goods portfolio, especially phones.
“Most of the iPhone 16 is delivered to OEMs in China. BYD alone receives a lot of orders for the flagship high-end line, which requires high capacity,” said the Dingjiao Digital account, which specializes in reporting leaks about Apple in China.
In August 2023, Bloomberg cited multiple sources as saying that Foxconn’s manufacturing facilities in India had started producing the iPhone 15, reducing dependence on China and supplying products in the first batch. This is the first time the newly launched iPhone has been manufactured in a factory in India. In the past, factories in this country often only installed old iPhones.
Indian media outlets revealed that the country is promoting plans to cooperate with Apple, expanding production by 5 times in the next 4-5 years. Foxconn has also opened new factories in Vietnam recently.
Meanwhile, BYD has a large business portfolio in the technology sector. They became famous for developing batteries for new electronics and vehicles. This business also became the world’s largest selling electric vehicle manufacturer recently, surpassing Tesla.
In its relationship with Apple, BYD has been involved in the production of iPads for many years. This company is the first OEM to bring Apple’s tablet assembly line to Vietnam in 2022. In 2023, BYD Vietnam will invest more capital to produce components, network modems, etc. with a total value of nearly 600 million USD.