Google is set to transform India into a significant production hub for its Pixel smartphones, with plans to export these devices to Europe and the United States, according to a recent report. The tech giant is expected to unveil the Google Pixel 9 series on August 13, and a portion of these devices destined for Europe will reportedly be manufactured in India. Two different manufacturing firms are said to be involved in the production process. Google is anticipated to make a formal announcement about this development in the coming months.
Manufacturing and Export Strategy
According to a source cited by Moneycontrol, Google has already initiated trial production of Pixel smartphones in Tamil Nadu with Foxconn, a prominent manufacturer that also produces iPhones for Apple in India. This move marks a strategic effort by Google to establish India as a crucial export hub for its Pixel lineup.
Production Partners and Model Differentiation
The report indicates that Google has contracted Dixon Technologies’ subsidiary Paget Electronics and Taiwan-based Foxconn for manufacturing. Paget Electronics will handle the standard Pixel models, while Foxconn will focus on producing the ‘Pro’ models. An official announcement from Google regarding this initiative is expected later this year.
Export and Local Demand
Most of the Pixel smartphones manufactured in India are slated for export, primarily due to relatively low demand within the Indian market. This local manufacturing effort will also enable Google to benefit from the Indian government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) program, which offers companies cash incentives based on their incremental sales.
Upcoming Pixel 9 Series Launch
In addition to its manufacturing plans, Google is preparing to launch the Pixel 9 series next month. The new smartphones are expected to feature advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities under a new Google AI branding. Anticipated features include a screenshot tool that leverages AI to provide information about captured screenshots, a “Best Take” feature for adding missing individuals to group photos, and “Studio,” which appears to be an image generation tool.
Conclusion
Google’s move to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India for export to Europe and the US signifies a strategic shift aimed at leveraging India’s manufacturing capabilities and government incentives. As the company gears up for the launch of the Pixel 9 series, it continues to innovate with AI-driven features, positioning itself competitively in the global smartphone market.