Google to manufacture Pixel 8 in India, devices to hit the market next year

In a boost to the Centre’s Make in India initiative, technology giant Google on Thursday announced that it would start manufacturing the Pixel 8 in India soon.

The first set of India-made Google Pixel 8 devices will debut in 2024, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president, devices and services, said at the ninth edition of the Google for India event.

Google has partnered with international and domestic manufacturers to produce the device in India. “This is an early step towards expanding the production here to meet the local demand for Pixel devices,” he added.



Stating that India is a priority market for Pixel, Osterloh said that the company is working to expand authorised Google service centres in India to improve after-sales services.

“We are committed to bringing the best of Google’s hardware and software experiences to the country,” he added.

"We're looking forward to manufacturing Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro here next year...and we think that the market here is ready for the world's first AI mobile computer.... our aim is to build a business here that continues to grow and reach more Indian consumers," Osterloh said.

"As for the partners, we've been here multiple times and are having great conversations with both international and domestic (suppliers)...we're not at a point where we're releasing our partners or our projections right now, we're still in open negotiations for that," said Ana Corrales, chief operating officer of consumer hardware, Google.

Electronics & Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who attended the event, lauded Google and noted that India now manufactures about $44 billion worth of mobile phones, significantly more than in earlier years.

The announcement comes at a time when Apple is doubling down on manufacturing in India.

According to data from market researcher Counterpoint, Apple, which sees India as its upcoming major growth contributor, is expected to hold a 7% share of all smartphone sales in the country from July to December, marking an increase from 5% in the first half of 2023.

US memory chip firm Micron Technology recently announced plans to set up its first semiconductor plant in the country.

Notably, in a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai discussed the company's plans to manufacture Chromebooks in the country.

The discussion centered around Google's endeavors to bolster the electronics manufacturing sector in India, as detailed in an official press release. Prime Minister Modi also commended Google's collaboration with HP to produce Chromebooks within the country, signifying progress in the 'Make in India' initiative.