On October 31, the Brazilian telecommunications agency ANATEL issued the go ahead for Taiwanese manufacturing giant Foxconn to begin assembling iPhones in Brazil. Just under a month later it seems as if the made in Brazil iPhone are getting into the hands of locals.
Brazilian website MacMagazine (via Google Translation) has posted images of an 8GB white iPhone 4 with “Indústria Brasileira” written on the back, replacing the usual “Assembled in China” statement found on most iPhones. Also on the back is a regulatory agency logo from ANATEL.
The software reports model number of MD198BR, with the “BR” suffix suggesting a Brazil-specific model.
Interestingly, Apple has yet to introduce the 8 GB iPhone 4 in Brazil. However, a separate source has told MacMagazine that the device is set to launch December 2nd.
As well as producing iPhones, the Brazil Foxconn factory, which is located near Steve Jobs Rd., is rumoured to begin assembling iPads this December.
High Brazilian import taxes on electronics have resulted in slow adoption of Apple’s devices inBrazil. After tax, some of Apple’s devices cost double their original retail price. Moving production into the country will circumvent the sizable tariffs and likely spur growth.
