Apple has started assembling the iPhone 15 in Brazil, signaling a shift in its global production strategy to counter Brazil’s high import taxes and to broaden its supply chain. This move, reported by MacRumor, marks a practical step toward reducing costs for Brazilian consumers while keeping strategic manufacturing flexibility intact. The Sao Paulo site operated by Foxconn is handling the assembly line for Brazil-bound units, a decision aimed at limiting the tax burden that typically raises the price of electronic devices in the country. In concrete terms, the 128GB iPhone 15 in Brazil currently carries a price tag around 7,300 Reais, roughly $1,460, a figure that reflects the heavy import duties versus prices seen in the United States. The decision to localize assembly partially addresses the price delta that Brazilian buyers have faced for years, offering a clearer path to more competitive domestic pricing in the near term (MacRumor).
At present, Brazil is handling the production of only the base 6.1-inch iPhone 15 model. The larger variations, including the iPhone 15 Plus and the Pro models, as well as the Pro Max, continue to be imported from China. Brazilian customers can verify whether their phones were assembled locally by checking the model codes: devices made in Brazil carry the BR/A designation, while imported units display BE/A or BZ/A. This simple distinction helps consumers understand the origin of their device and the potential implications for warranty and service in Brazil (MacRumor).
The iPhone line was introduced on September 15, 2023, and the model features a 6.1-inch OLED display with brightness peaking around 2000 nits, a resolution of 1179 by 2556 pixels, and a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz. Powering the device is the A16 Bionic chip, and it runs iOS 17.4, with Apple consistently rolling out updates to expand features and security. The design highlights, performance benchmarks, and software compatibility together form a compelling package for users considering an upgrade in Brazil and neighboring markets, where price sensitivity and network infrastructure are important factors (MacRumor).
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting the broader market chatter around affordable smartphones in the region. Earlier, Vivo introduced a notably economical model, the Y03, featuring Android 14, underscoring a regional demand for budget-friendly devices that balance price with essential functionality. This trend reinforces how brands are tailoring their portfolios to align with local purchasing power while maintaining international supply chains. For consumers, this means more choices at varied price points, and for manufacturers, a continuous push to optimize cost structures, sourcing, and distribution strategies across Latin America (MacRumor).