Apple in India plots iPhone 15 and TV+ services push

Shantaram was a fantastic series set in 1980’s Bombay

In the quiet prelude to the iPhone 15 launch, more news from India where Apple apparently prepares to sell the first Made in India iPhones in the country on global launch day for the first time, even as it launches an interesting TV+ bundle there.

India is a first class economy

That Apple will be selling iPhones made in India surprised no one at this point, but Bloomberg’s claim that the company may begin offering up the new devices in India at the same time as it does elsewhere (rather than with a short delay) speaks to the maturity of Apple’s manufacturing lines there.

It also speaks to the speed at which Apple and its partners are attempting to build a second manufacturing center to supplement existing operations in China.

They know they must do this as for the global détente that has sustained global politics and economies has been badly battered.

What’s significant about this is that until now iPhones made in India have not been made available for sale from launch.

This step should also be seen as yet another signal from Apple to show how serious it is to build its business in India.

Services for the rest of us

Of course, emerging economies are essential to help major companies survive the current meltdown. So, too, are services, so no surprise to find that this year Apple has sought innovative ways to use its services to both build average income per user while also as inducements to purchase new devices.

First sight of this year’s promos comes from India, where TV+ is now available in the Tata Play Binge bundle.

That’s a 399 rupee per month bundle that combines some of the best video streaming services in India, including content from Disney and Lionsgate.

All good, I guess, though it’s a shame Apple cancelled its excellent series, Shantaram, after just one season.

Tata Play’s Chief Commercial and Content Officer, Pallavi Puri, said,

“This collaboration with Apple TV+ is a testament to our commitment to bring to our viewers the very best of content in the world. Apple TV+ features premium, high-quality series and films that are available across devices for all kinds of viewers.”

Rolled gold

While the Tata deal may help expose TV+ content to a wider Indian audience, I think the services related gold here will be when the channel shares home-grown India made content internationally.

And do keep an eye out on carrier promotions around new iPhones. I have nothing specific to share yet, but this year’s offers seem especially good.

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