Apple's OEM gets BIS certification for iPhone SE production

Apple’s Taiwan-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Wistron has received certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to manufacture iPhone SE from an assembly facility in Bengaluru. The BIS certification for A 1723 model is a direct reference to iPhone SE, which the company launched globally in 2016. The number for the brand is R-62000612 and has been certified under IS 13252, which refers to the information communication equipment as per Indian standards.

The iPhone SE is the smallest screen mobile from Apple. The 4-inch iPhone SE can be used mostly for calls or SMSs. “But with its great screen with brightness and colours, it is an ideal phone for those who are using Apple for the first time. It will go well with Indian buyers,” said Amit Misra, an IT analyst from Bengaluru.

“The iPhone 6 or iPhone 7 Plus, which is actually a proverbial giant, are widely used for social media, browsing the web, emails, games, and watching videos. As part of capturing the India market, Apple recently discounted the iPhone SE to Rs 19,999,” said Misra.

As per the BIS information, the manufacturing of the phone will be commissioned to a company called ‘ICT Service Management Solutions’ and it is owned by Wistron. Besides Wistron, Apple seeks the help of Foxconn for the manufacturing of iPhone SE production in China.

The notification also says that the address of the manufacturing unit is No 93, Industrial Suburb, Stage-II, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, India. It also makes sure that the manufacturing facility in the Peenya Industrial Area, which DH reported earlier.

The development reinforces Apple’s already declared plan to assemble iPhones in April by setting up a facility in Peenya in partnership with Wistron.

According to an India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) official, normally there is no mandatory requirement for overseas companies to go for BIS compliance as their product is already meeting international standards.

“Apple’s move for approaching the BIS certification is primarily due to its decision to go ahead with changes in its product configuration in India. As per my knowledge the product to be launched in India will have certain changes compared with its current international model,” said the official.

Apple has leased about 1,50,000 sq ft of office space in RMZ Galleria at Yelahanka, north Bengaluru. The facility houses design and development accelerator to support engineering talent and grow the country’s iOS developer community. The office will also house the company’s officials who are coordinating with their assembly plant in Bengaluru.

Apple officials recently sought concessions including duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smartphone manufacturing and service or repair for a period of 15 years from the Centre, which has rejected all its proposals.