ETtech Explainer: Behind Apple’s search for Indian iCamera maker

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That brings us to the rather big news break from The Economic Times that Apple is in advanced discussions with the Murugappa Group and Tata groups Titan Company to assemble and, possibly, manufacture sub-components for its iPhone camera modules...

There are easier components that they could look at finding a replacement for, like the capacitor wherein the core components would be easier to source," he said.. Further, he said that India will take years to develop parts like the camera lens, image sensors and actuators, while adding that it was not even realistic to expect that everything can be done in-house..

"The two components for which Apple will either have to continue importing or get them (other suppliers) to set up a unit locally in India are for image sensor chips which are within a camera module which form the largest, most costly component of a smartphone as well as the display," he said.. Who are the suppliers that Apple is dependent on for sensors in the camera module?..

"Module assembly is a good foundation to attract different sub-assembly players to manufacture those in India and build the complete local value chain from image sensor to lenses to entire camera module," he said..

Same goes for the Tata group, which can go from fab to module assembly for camera modules and sub-components..