First batch of Apple’s ‘Assembled in India’ iPhone SEs available in Bengaluru: Report

Apple’s first batch of iPhone SE device that have been assembled in India are reportedly available in select stores in Bengaluru. According to the Times of India, the retail boxes of these iPhones have an imprint stating, “Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in India.” The 32GB version of the iPhone SE is priced at Rs. 27,200, while the 128GB version is priced at Rs. 37,200. Sources told the publication that the company’s resellers and other retail partners have only a few tens of units of the ‘Assembled in India’ phones in Bengaluru.

Back in May, it was reported that Apple had begun initial production of a small number of iPhone SE smartphones in India and that Wistron had completed a trial run of assembling iPhones in India at its Karnataka facility. Apple had told the Wall Street Journal that "it has begun initial production of a small number of iPhone SE handsets in Bangalore and will begin shipping the Indian-made devices to domestic customers this month."

Apple is also reportedly planning to launch its own online store by the end of the year. The reason for this move is the fact that local manufacturers can have a direct online presence in india. The report notes that the company initially plans on selling the iPhone SE, and will expand its portfolio as it starts assembling other models.