Google has unveiled plans to manufacture Pixel series smartphones in India. Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, announced the initiative at the company’s annual event in India. The production will include the highly anticipated Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices, with the first locally assembled batch slated to hit the market next year.
“We are partnering with both international and domestic entities to locally manufacture Pixel smartphones. This marks the initial stride in our efforts to expand local manufacturing, catering to the rising demand for Pixel devices. More importantly, it underscores Google’s deepening commitment to India,” stated Osterloh.
Google’s move aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are diversifying manufacturing away from China. India, with its proactive incentives and strategic initiatives, has become an attractive destination. Google’s recent collaboration with HP for manufacturing Chromebook laptops further solidified its manufacturing footprint in the country.
Notably, Google is not the sole tech titan aiming to transform India into a manufacturing nucleus. Samsung established the world’s largest smartphone factory in India five years ago, and Apple’s manufacturing partner, Foxconn, is investing heavily in infrastructure for iPhone and semiconductor chip production.
As New Delhi actively lures global corporations with financial incentives, the concept of “China + 1” gains traction, emphasizing the strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Google’s decision marks a pivotal moment in India’s technological landscape, positioning the country as a pivotal manufacturing hub for some of the world’s most advanced devices.
