Google has started releasing Pixel 8 phones built in India

Google began local production of the Pixel 8 in India ahead of the release of the Pixel 9 series, which is the company's first move into Indian manufacturing. Last year in October, the company announced its plans to assemble the Pixel smartphone series in India.  

“Excited to announce that the first of our Made in India Google #Pixel8 devices have started rolling off the production lines. Grateful for the partnership with Hon'ble Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw as we look forward to bringing the #TeamPixel experience to people across India,” Google India posted on X.

As per news source, at present Pixel 8 is the only model that is being manufactured locally, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a are not included. After Pixel 8, Pixel A series is expected to be locally manufactured in India.

Google has not officially revealed the local manufacturing partners but as per sources, Compal, Google’s manufacturing partner, has collaborated with India’s Dixon Technologies for assembling Pixel 8 smartphones locally.  

Dixon Technologies assembles the Pixel 8, and Google plans to ship more than 10 million of them worldwide this year. This action is in line with Apple's local production strategy since it aims to lower costs and offer competitive pricing.

Local manufacturing in India is a step by Google to expand its presence in South Asia and also leverage the manufacturing potential of the country. India has also incentivised local manufacturing in order to become self-reliant in terms of mobile phone assembling.