Google recently announced the launch of its locally manufactured Pixel 8 devices in India, nearly 10 months after revealing its plans for domestic production and just before the upcoming Pixel 9 unveiling this week.
Google confirmed to TechCrunch that the local manufacturing is currently limited to the Pixel 8 and does not include the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a.
In October, Google revealed its intention to assemble the Pixel smartphone lineup in India to expand its presence in the second-largest smartphone market globally after China and tap into India’s growing manufacturing sector.
On Monday, Google announced the commencement of production for the Made-in-India Pixel 8 devices.
While Google has not disclosed its local manufacturing partners, sources confirmed that Compal, Google’s global manufacturing partner, has teamed up with Dixon Technologies in India to assemble the Pixel 8 models locally.
The Indian government’s incentives have prompted global electronics brands like Google to produce devices locally in India to compete with other manufacturing hubs worldwide.
Google, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo are among the companies producing devices in India to meet local demand and export to emerging markets.
Google’s hardware event on Tuesday is expected to introduce the Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 3, along with advancements in Gemini AI technology tailored for mobile devices.
