Apple taps Tata for iPhone and MacBook repairs in India

By Admin

06 Jun, 2025

In a significant development that highlights India’s growing importance in Apple’s global operations, the tech giant has officially partnered with the Tata Group to handle iPhone and MacBook repairs across the country. This marks a major shift in Apple’s service strategy in India, with the move reported by Reuters as a pivotal part of Apple's broader plans to expand and deepen its footprint in the Indian market.

From Wistron to Tata: A Strategic Transition

Until now, the after-sales repair operations for Apple devices in India were managed by ICT Service Management Solutions, a subsidiary of Taiwan’s Wistron. With the latest transition, Tata Group will take the reins, consolidating complex repair activities like motherboard and screen replacements at its advanced facility in Karnataka. This very campus is already known for assembling iPhones for both domestic and export markets.

While Apple’s network of authorized service centers will continue addressing routine repairs, intricate cases will now be routed to Tata’s centralized site. This change is expected to enhance the efficiency and quality of service, establishing Tata as a key player in Apple’s operational ecosystem within India.

Expanding Apple-Tata Collaboration

This partnership isn’t Tata’s first foray into Apple’s world. The group already manages three Apple-related facilities in southern India and has earned the distinction of being the first Indian company entrusted with full-scale iPhone assembly. By adding repair operations to its responsibilities, Tata is gradually taking charge of more segments in the iPhone lifecycle ranging from manufacturing to servicing solidifying a vertically integrated role.

This evolving alliance aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing hubs amidst ongoing US-China geopolitical tensions. India, with its growing technical prowess and stable political climate, presents a compelling alternative.

India’s Booming Apple Market

The timing of this repair transition couldn’t be more strategic. Apple’s growth in India has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2024 alone, the company shipped a record 11 million iPhones, catapulting its market share from just 1% in 2020 to approximately 7%, according to Counterpoint Research. The upcoming launch of Apple’s third retail store in Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia further underscores this rising demand.

As more Indian consumers embrace Apple devices, the need for a robust and reliable after-sales service infrastructure becomes critical. The Tata partnership promises to meet this demand with a centralized and professional approach to repairs.

A Glimpse into Refurbished iPhones in India?

Beyond service, industry experts speculate that this collaboration could be a prelude to even more strategic moves. Prabhu Ram of CyberMedia Research suggests that Tata’s expanding role could pave the way for Apple to introduce refurbished iPhones in India mirroring its model in the United States. Such a step would not only make iPhones more accessible but also reinforce Apple’s commitment to sustainability.

While Apple has yet to confirm any plans regarding refurbished sales or publicly comment on the repair transition, the pieces are clearly falling into place for a more circular and integrated Apple ecosystem in India.

Conclusion

Apple’s deepening partnership with Tata marks more than a change in service providers it signals a long-term vision where India plays a central role in both the production and maintenance of its products. With rising sales, a growing user base, and a strong local partner like Tata, Apple is well-positioned to thrive in one of the world's most dynamic tech markets.