Search results for: “India”

Apple is now enjoying a significant tax benefit in India, making it less expensive to put together iPhones right there in the country. This news came from the government just this past weekend.

India, a Growing Hub for Apple

India has become the second biggest place where Apple makes its iPhones, only behind China. There have been big plans talked about, suggesting that by 2027, half of all iPhones might be made in India. However, things haven’t moved as quickly as hoped.

Last year marked a big change, though. According to Bloomberg, one out of every seven iPhones was made in India by April. The production of newer, high-end models was slower because they needed very specialized equipment. But with the iPhone 16, things got better as production in India started not long after the phone was first introduced.

New Tax Benefits

The Indian government has been slowly lowering the taxes on importing parts needed to make electronics in India. They’ve now made this even better by announcing more reductions. Reuters mentions that one of these changes is setting the tax rate to zero for printed circuit boards, which are crucial for phones like the iPhone.

During the annual budget presentation on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared that they’ve removed taxes on several parts needed for making mobile phones. This includes the assembly of printed circuit boards, parts for camera modules, and USB cables, which used to have a 2.5% tax.

This tax cut is expected to reduce the cost of making iPhones in India, hoping that Apple will choose to do more of its manufacturing there.

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The digital world once envisioned as a borderless expanse of information and freedom, is increasingly becoming fragmented by national regulations. Following a similar move in China years ago, Apple has begun removing Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications from its App Store in India, signaling a significant shift in the availability of online privacy tools in the country. This action comes in response to a controversial Indian law that mandates stringent data retention policies for VPN providers. 

This isn’t the first time Apple has faced such a dilemma. Back in 2017, the company was compelled by the Chinese government to remove hundreds of VPN apps from its Chinese App Store. At the time, Apple CEO Tim Cook explained that the company had to comply with local laws, despite its preference to keep the apps available. He expressed hope that the restrictions would eventually be loosened, but years later, those restrictions remain firmly in place. This precedent casts a long shadow over the current situation in India.

The Indian government introduced the contentious law in 2022, effectively prohibiting anonymous VPN usage and requiring providers to maintain detailed logs of user activity. These logs must include sensitive information such as users’ names, addresses, IP addresses, and transaction histories, and be retained for a period of five years. Initially, the implementation of this law faced delays due to widespread objections. While it was eventually introduced, enforcement remained lax for a period. However, that period of grace has ended.  

Recent reports confirm that Apple has started removing VPN apps from the Indian App Store to comply with the now-enforced regulations. This action follows similar removals from the Google Play Store, indicating a coordinated effort by Indian authorities to enforce the new rules.

It appears that the government is taking a targeted approach, identifying and ordering the removal of non-compliant apps individually. This suggests that the process will be protracted, potentially leading to a significant reduction in the number of VPN apps available to Indian users, mirroring the situation in China. 

Among the removed apps are several prominent VPN services, including Cloudflare’s popular 1.1.1.1 service. The removals were triggered by orders issued by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, as evidenced by official documents and disclosures made by Google to Lumen, a Harvard University database that tracks government takedown requests globally.  

This situation puts reputable VPN providers in a difficult position. Complying with the Indian law would require them to compromise their core principles of user privacy and anonymity. Maintaining detailed logs of user activity goes against the very purpose of a VPN, which is to provide secure and private online access. Consequently, most reputable VPN providers are unlikely to comply with these demands, choosing instead to withdraw their services from the Indian market.

For Apple, this situation presents a complex challenge. The company has consistently emphasized its commitment to user privacy. However, it also has a legal obligation to comply with the laws of the countries in which it operates. This creates a clear conflict of interest, forcing Apple to choose between its stated values and its business interests.

While Apple could theoretically take a stand and withdraw from the Indian market altogether, such a move is highly improbable. India has become a crucial market for Apple, serving as its second-largest production center and a rapidly growing consumer base. Moreover, the precedent set in China, a far more critical manufacturing hub for Apple, suggests that the company is unlikely to prioritize principle over market access.  

The removal of VPN apps from the Indian App Store represents more than just a reduction in available software. It symbolizes a growing trend of governments seeking greater control over online activity, often at the expense of individual privacy. This trend raises serious concerns about the future of internet freedom and the ability of individuals to protect themselves from online surveillance.

The situation in India serves as a stark reminder that the fight for online privacy is an ongoing battle, one that requires constant vigilance and advocacy. The digital landscape is changing, and the implications for users in India, and potentially other countries, are significant.

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Big changes might be coming for Apple fans. New rules from the U.S. government could raise prices on popular gadgets like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. These rules, called tariffs, add extra costs to products made in China. Since Apple makes most of its stuff there, this could hit your wallet hard.

On April 9, 2025, reports said the U.S. is planning a fresh round of tariffs aimed at Chinese goods. Why? It’s part of a push to bring jobs back home and balance trade. But here’s the catch: companies like Apple might pass those extra costs to buyers. That means higher prices for your next phone or laptop.

Experts think Apple could handle some of the cost itself, but not all of it. They rely on China for speedy production and affordable parts. Moving factories elsewhere—like India or Vietnam—takes time and money. So, for now, customers might feel the pinch. A new iPhone could jump by $50 or more, depending on the tariff size.

Apple hasn’t said much yet. They’re likely figuring out how to soften the blow. In the past, they’ve kept prices steady by tweaking other costs. But with tariffs piling up, that trick might not work this time. Shoppers could see price tags creep up as early as late 2025.

What does this mean for you? If you’re eyeing a shiny new Apple device, it might be smart to buy before prices climb. Or, you could wait and see if Apple finds a way to keep things affordable. Either way, these tariffs are shaking things up, and Apple lovers might need to rethink their budgets soon.

Apple Apple could face higher costs due to tariffs, but expert Ming-Chi Kuo has some ideas on how the company might soften the blow. In a recent note, Kuo, a well-known analyst, shared simple strategies Apple could use to keep prices steady for customers.

First, Kuo suggests Apple might move more of its production out of China. By making products in places like India or Vietnam, the company could avoid some U.S. tariffs aimed at Chinese goods. This shift is already happening slowly, with iPhone assembly starting in India. Kuo believes speeding this up could save money.

Next, he points out that Apple could tweak its supply chain. This means working with suppliers in different countries to get parts at lower costs. By spreading out where it gets materials, Apple might dodge some tariff hits and keep expenses down.

Kuo also thinks Apple could lean on its huge cash pile to absorb extra costs. With billions in the bank, the company might choose to pay the tariffs itself instead of raising prices for buyers. This would keep iPhones and other gadgets affordable, even if it trims Apple’s profits a bit.

Finally, Kuo mentions Apple could push for better trade deals. By talking to governments or adjusting its plans, the company might find ways to lower tariff rates or get exceptions. This could take time, but might pay off in the long run.

While tariffs could make things pricier, Kuo’s ideas show Apple has options. Moving production, rethinking suppliers, using its cash, or negotiating deals could all help. For now, Apple fans can hope these steps keep their favorite tech affordable.

Donald Trump’s plan to slap big tariffs on goods from China could shake things up for Apple. If he wins the presidency again, he’s promised to start these taxes right away in 2025. This might force Apple to rethink its huge reliance on China, where it makes most of its iPhones and other gadgets. Experts call this a possible “liberation day” for Apple, meaning it could finally break free from depending so much on one country.

Right now, Apple’s supply chain is tied tightly to China, with factories churning out products daily. But Trump’s tariffs, which could hit 60% or more, would make it crazy expensive to keep things as they are. Moving production elsewhere—like India or Vietnam—might be the smarter move, even if it’s a slow and tricky process. Some say this could cost Apple billions at first, but it might pay off later by spreading out risks.

For years, Apple’s enjoyed cheap labor and fast production in China. Trump’s push could flip that upside down, nudging the tech giant toward a big change. By 2025, we might see Apple stepping away from China for good.

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Apple’s boss, Tim Cook, shared today that the company will give money to support people hit by the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. He posted about it on social media, saying, “We feel so sad for everyone in Myanmar and Thailand affected by this terrible earthquake.” Apple often helps out by giving cash to groups like the Red Cross when big disasters happen around the world.

The earthquake, which struck on March 28, 2025, was a powerful 7.7 magnitude and caused a lot of damage, especially in Myanmar’s second-biggest city, Mandalay. Over 1,600 people have died, and many more are hurt or missing. In Thailand, a building under construction in Bangkok fell down, killing at least 17 people.

Rescue teams are still working hard to find survivors. Cook didn’t say how much money Apple will give, but the company’s support could make a big difference. Myanmar is one of Asia’s poorest countries and is already struggling with a civil war, making it tougher to recover. Thailand also needs help to rebuild after the quake shook things up.

Lots of countries, like China and India, are sending aid too. Apple’s donation shows it wants to stand with those in need during this hard time. People online are praising the move, though some wonder why Apple doesn’t share the exact amount. Either way, this help will likely bring some relief to those suffering.

Our hearts go out to all those in Myanmar and Thailand affected by the devastating earthquake. Apple is donating to support relief efforts on the ground.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 30, 2025

Apple recently made changes to its support page for a new tool that lets users move purchases between Apple Accounts. The EU and UK are no longer left out, meaning people there can now use it. The only place still missing out is India, where the tool isn’t available yet.

This purchase transfer tool came out earlier this month. It helps shift purchases, like apps or iTunes goodies, from one Apple Account to another. To use it, you need an iPhone or iPad signed into two accounts at once—one for iCloud and another for the App Store.

For some folks, this tool has worked like a charm. They’ve successfully moved their App Store and iTunes buys to the account they like better. Sadly, I’m not one of them. Still, I’ve managed with two accounts for 15 years—what’s a few more, right?

Anyway, if you’re in the EU or UK, you can now give this a shot. The support page lays out all the steps and rules you need to follow to make it work. It’s got a bunch of details, so check it out if you’re thinking of switching things over. The tool’s a handy option for anyone wanting to tidy up their accounts or bring everything under one roof. Just be ready to jump through a few hoops to get it done!