Apple Inc. plans to begin production of the iPhone 14 in India, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources.

The company is working with suppliers to increase production in India and reduce the backlog of new iPhones from six to nine months since the last launch. Apple, which has long produced most of its iPhones in China, is exploring alternatives amid deteriorating relations between China and the US and nationwide lockdowns over Covid-19 that have disrupted economic activity.

Analysts, including TF International Securities Group's Ming-Chi Kuo, expect Apple to ship the next iPhone from both countries around the same time, helping Apple diversify its supply chain.