Pixel 8 Production in India Starts Rolling Out Ahead of Pixel 9 Debut

Google has started shipping its locally manufactured Pixel 8 devices in India, just days before the anticipated launch of the Pixel 9 series. This rollout follows nearly 10 months after Google’s announcement of plans to assemble the Pixel smartphones domestically in an effort to strengthen its foothold in the Indian smartphone market—the second-largest globally after China—and to capitalize on India’s expanding manufacturing capabilities.

The current local production is exclusive to the Pixel 8 model, with the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a remaining outside this initiative, as confirmed by Google to TechCrunch. The company has not revealed the names of its local manufacturing partners, but sources indicate that Google’s global partner, Compal, has collaborated with Dixon Technologies in India to assemble the Pixel 8 devices. This partnership was partially confirmed by Dixon’s managing director, Atul B Lall, during a July earnings call, although further details were not provided.

This move aligns with the Indian government’s push to encourage global electronics brands to produce locally, aiming to position India as a competitive manufacturing hub alongside China and other nations. The government has incentivized this shift with billions of dollars in subsidies and cashbacks for companies opting to manufacture within the country.

According to data shared by Jitin Prasad, the minister of state for electronics and information technology, during a recent parliamentary session, 99.2% of the mobile phone demand in India is now met by locally produced devices. The country has witnessed a staggering 8,138% increase in mobile phone production, reaching a value of $50 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, up from $2.25 billion in 2014-15. Exports of locally manufactured mobile phones have also surged, growing to $15.37 billion in 2023-24 from $186.54 million in 2014-15.

Google joins other major brands like Apple and Samsung, which also manufacture their devices in India for both domestic sales and exports. While Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Oppo have local production as well, their export contributions remain relatively limited.

Google is set to host its hardware event on Tuesday, where it is expected to unveil the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and the Pixel Watch 3. The event is also likely to feature updates on the company’s Gemini AI, tailored for mobile devices.