Google Shifts Pixel Smartphone Production to India
Google is set to commence the manufacturing of its Pixel smartphones in India, signaling a strategic shift in its supply chain. The tech giant has urged suppliers to initiate production by the next quarter, aiming to achieve an ambitious target of shipping over 10 million Pixel phones in 2024. This move follows the company's shipment of approximately 10 million units in 2023, despite a global economic slowdown.
The decision to manufacture in India aligns with Google's broader goal of diversifying its supply chain away from China and tapping into the burgeoning Indian smartphone market. The initial focus will be on producing the high-end Pixel 8 Pro in the southern part of India, with production anticipated to commence in the April-June quarter. Subsequently, production of the Pixel 8 will kick off in the northern part of the country in the middle of the year.
Google had previously announced its plans to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India, with the first model, the Pixel 8, slated to hit the market in 2024. The Indian smartphone market, according to IDC data, experienced a 1% growth to reach 146 million units in 2023. The latter half of the year saw an 11% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the market's potential for expansion. This strategic move by Google not only emphasizes its commitment to the Indian market but also showcases its efforts to reduce dependence on a single manufacturing hub.
