Introduction
Google has announced the rollout of its locally produced Pixel 8 devices in India, nearly 10 months after revealing its domestic manufacturing plans for the devices. This move is a significant step forward in Google’s plan to expand its presence in the Indian smartphone market and bet on India’s growing manufacturing footprint.
Google’s Domestic Manufacturing Plans
In October, Google announced plans to assemble the Pixel smartphone lineup in India. The company aimed to tap into the country’s vast market and take advantage of the government’s initiatives to promote local production. As part of this plan, Google partnered with Compal, its global manufacturing partner, to set up a local assembly line for the Pixel 8 devices.
Made-in-India Pixel 8 Devices
The first batch of Made-in-India Pixel 8 devices has started rolling off the production lines. Google’s India arm confirmed that the local manufacturing is currently limited to the Pixel 8 and does not include the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a. The company did not disclose its local manufacturing partners, but sources revealed that Compal and Dixon Technologies have partnered to assemble the devices locally.
Government Support for Local Manufacturing
The Indian government has been pushing global electronics brands to produce devices locally in India. To incentivize companies, the government has allocated billions of dollars in subsidies to offer cashbacks and other benefits to those taking the local production route. As a result, domestic mobile phone production has seen a significant increase, with 99.2% of domestic demand met by locally manufactured devices.
Growth in Local Mobile Phone Production
According to industry reports, India’s mobile phone production has grown exponentially over the years. The country saw an 8,138% increase in local production of mobile phones to $50 billion worth in the financial year 2023-24, up from $2.25 billion in 2014-15. Similarly, locally made mobile phone exports have grown to $15.37 billion in 2023-24 from $186.54 million in 2014-15.
Competition and Export Opportunities
Alongside Google, Apple and Samsung produce their devices in India, selling them locally and exporting them to emerging markets. Chinese companies like Xiaomi and Oppo also have domestic production in the country to fulfill local demand. However, the export share of these companies has not been significant so far. With the Made-in-India Pixel 8 devices, Google aims to tap into both domestic and international markets.
Upcoming Hardware Event
Google is hosting its hardware event on Tuesday, where it is expected to unveil the Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 3. The company will also likely discuss its Gemini AI upgrades specifically for mobile devices. This event marks an exciting time for tech enthusiasts, with several new products and features set to be announced.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to locally produce Pixel 8 devices in India is a significant step forward for the company. With government support and a growing manufacturing footprint, Google aims to expand its presence in the Indian market and tap into export opportunities. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Google’s Made-in-India Pixel 8 devices perform in the market.
Related Topics
Sources:
- TechCrunch
- Indian government reports
