iPhone 17 Being Developed in India: What to Expect From Base Model - MacRumors
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iPhone 17 Being Developed in India: What to Expect From Base Model

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Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn is conducting early development of the base iPhone 17 at a factory in Bengaluru, India, according to The Information's Wayne Ma. This is considered to be a "milestone" for Apple's manufacturing efforts in India.

iphone 16 teal
The paywalled report said this iPhone 17 model has already passed an early development stage, as Apple evaluates whether India-based engineers can develop iPhone prototypes that match the quality of those built at its California headquarters. Apple's goal is to start developing new iPhones as early as possible in locations closer to where final assembly takes place, which could result in lower operating costs for the company.

The report does not reveal any new features or changes planned for the iPhone 17, but Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu outlined some features that he expects for the base model in a research note earlier this month:

  • 6.1-inch display
  • A19 chip
  • 8GB of RAM
  • An upgraded 24-megapixel front camera
  • Two rear cameras, including a 48-megapixel Fusion and 12-megapixel Ultra Wide
  • Aluminum casing

Based on these specs, the base iPhone 17 will not be a major upgrade over the iPhone 16.

The primary development locations for the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will still be in China, according to the report. Pu believes the ultra-thin iPhone 17 will feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera, 8GB of RAM, and more, while the iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to feature a 48-megapixel Telephoto camera, 12GB of RAM, and more. The devices should launch next September.

Related Roundup: iPhone 17
Tag: The Information
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 17 (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
19 months ago

Based on these specs, the base iPhone 17 will not be a major upgrade over the iPhone 16.
M.O.S. I call it ...

"more of same"

I wonder how many more years Apple can get away with rearranging the deck chairs and slightly tweaking the camera?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
applyr
19 months ago
So it's the iPhone 16 with a new selfie camera and just being manufactured in India.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
everlast3434 Avatar
everlast3434
19 months ago
The bright side is, there's no charger in the box because Apple cares about the environment.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CJM Avatar
CJM
19 months ago

Apple's goal is to start developing new iPhones as early as possible in locations closer to where final assembly takes place, which could result in lower operating costs for the company.

A company like Apple shouldn't be inhibited by distance affecting Dev -> assembly of their devices. I wonder what the words between the lines are.
Legislation. Apple sees India as a big new market and operating there requires investment in the country.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
spcopsmac21
19 months ago

M.O.S. I call it ...

"more of same"

I wonder how many more years Apple can get away with rearranging the deck chairs and slightly tweaking the camera?
As long as people keep paying.

My iPhone 14PM bit the dust and I was forced to get a new 16PM because I need the camera.


And honestly it does not feel like an upgrade. Aside from the button on the side I feel like a just paid full price for a new iPhone 14PM in 2024……

If Apple pulls this again I feel like there will be a revolt.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WilliApple Avatar
WilliApple
19 months ago
They forgot the 120hz...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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