Google will soon start producing Pixel smartphones locally in India. The company is in talks with international and domestic manufacturers in the country for the project. It expects the first locally manufactured Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to hit the Indian market in 2024. The firm is also expanding its service network across the nation.
Google is gearing up to manufacture Pixel phones in India
Despite a relatively late entry into the smartphone hardware business, Google has quickly established itself as one of the biggest names in the industry. Its Pixel phones have a strong fan base globally. The devices are among the best flagship options in the Android space, competing directly with Samsung’s S-series models.
Like many other companies, India is a massive market for Google. It is the world’s most populous country with immense scope for growth. The Narendra Modi-led Indian government has been urging global tech firms to increase local production, offering incentives of up to $2 billion through the “Make in India” initiative.
Google has already pledged support for the initiative, teaming up with HP to produce Chromebooks locally in the country. It’s now gearing up to launch “Made in India” Pixel phones as well. The company hasn’t named any manufacturing partners yet but a report in June said it’s in talks with Lava International, Dixon Technologies India, and Bharat FIH, Foxconn’s Indian unit.
Details such as the location of the manufacturing plants, capacity, and starting date are not known. However, with the first batch of the “Made in India” Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro expected to arrive in the market next year, Google may be close to finalizing things. The company says it will share more information in the coming months. We will keep you posted accordingly.
“India is a priority market for Pixel smartphones, and we’re committed to bringing the best of our hardware and underlying built-in software capabilities to people across the country,” said Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of devices and services at the company. “In recent years, India has established itself as a truly world-class hub for manufacturing, resulting in a thriving environment for businesses to flourish.”
Google’s service network in India is growing too
Google expects local production of Pixel phones in India to boost sales. In anticipation of that, the company is expanding its service network in the country. In partnership with F1 Info Solutions, it currently operates 28 service centers in 27 cities across the nation. The firm plans to expand to more locations and cities in the coming months. Time will tell whether a local production helps Google increase Pixel sales in India.