Google has announced its plans to assemble Pixel series smartphones in India. Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, revealed that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices will be manufactured in India, hitting the market from the next year onwards. This initiative, a testament to Google’s commitment to India, signifies a pivotal step to cater to the surging local demand for Pixel devices.
During the company’s annual event in India, Osterloh stated, “We are collaborating with international and domestic partners for local Pixel smartphone production. This marks the inaugural move in expanding our manufacturing operations here, aligning with the local demand and, more significantly, affirming Google’s dedication to India.”
Google’s decision mirrors a growing trend among tech giants, with Samsung leading the charge by establishing the world’s largest smartphone factory in India half a decade ago. Apple, through its manufacturing partner Foxconn, is investing $600 million in infrastructure, aiming to produce iPhones and semiconductor chips within the country.
New Delhi’s proactive approach, offering financial incentives to attract global companies for setting up manufacturing facilities, has made India an attractive choice for tech giants. This shift aligns with a broader industry strategy, commonly referred to as “China + 1,” where companies seek to diversify their manufacturing dependencies, reducing reliance on China.
Google’s collaboration with local partners not only bolsters India’s position as a manufacturing hub but also reflects the company’s dedication to enhancing accessibility and affordability of cutting-edge technology for the Indian market, aligning seamlessly with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.