Apple Eyes Second Indian Supplier As Aequs Enters Trial Stage For MacBook And Watch Parts

Karnataka-based contract manufacturer Aequs Group is reportedly in the “trial” phase of being officially onboarded as an Apple supplier.

Aequs, which specialises in manufacturing products across sectors including toys, consumer durable goods, and aerospace components, is positioning itself to become the second Indian firm to join Apple's global supplier network.

Industry insiders have indicated that if Aequs successfully navigate the trial period, it could become the sole domestic supplier of parts for Apple’s MacBook computers and Apple Watches. 

As of now, Tata Electronics is the only Indian company presently on Apple’s supplier list, producing enclosures for iPhones. 

“Aequs has commenced trial production of MacBook enclosures and mechanical components for the Apple Watch,” Economic Times quoted a source as saying.

“These components have been dispatched to one of Apple’s designated suppliers in Vietnam for fitment testing," the source added.

Experts have underscored the significance of this development but cautioned that the road to becoming an Apple supplier is a rigorous one. 

Since last year, Apple has been actively seeking new suppliers, particularly from India, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea to mitigate the effects of delayed government approvals on imports from existing suppliers, many of whom are based in China. 

These imports include critical components such as batteries, camera lenses, and chargers needed to produce Apple’s flagship iPhones and iPads within India.

Driven by the Indian government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, Apple has been pushing to expand its manufacturing footprint in the country as part of its broader strategy to reduce dependence on China. 

Several suppliers have responded by ramping up their operations.

Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn, for example, has been significantly increasing its investments in India, both by expanding its existing facilities and exploring new opportunities. 

Tata Electronics has similarly been scaling up its operations, and major American firms such as Corning and Jabil have announced substantial investments to meet Apple’s growing demand in the Indian market.

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