In a historic shift for global electronics manufacturing, Apple is set to produce all models of its upcoming iPhone 17 series in India, marking the first time the tech giant will assemble every variant of a new iPhone lineup outside China. The move underscores Apple’s growing confidence in India’s industrial capabilities and its strategic push to diversify supply chains amid escalating geopolitical tensions and tariff pressures.
The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be manufactured across five Indian factories, including newly operational plants run by Foxconn near Bengaluru and Tata Group in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. These devices are expected to ship globally from India starting next month, with the United States emerging as the dominant export destination.
Key Highlights from the Manufacturing Expansion
- All iPhone 17 models will be assembled in India for the first time
- Production spread across five facilities operated by Foxconn and Tata Group
- Devices to be shipped globally from India starting September 2025
- US-bound exports account for 78 percent of India’s iPhone shipments in H1 2025
- India’s iPhone exports surged 53 percent year-on-year to 23.9 million units
Strategic Shift from China
Apple’s decision to relocate a significant portion of its iPhone production to India follows years of supply chain disruptions in China, including COVID-19 lockdowns and rising trade tensions. The shift is also a response to mounting tariff threats from the US administration, which has imposed steep duties on Chinese imports and signaled further restrictions on companies sourcing from China.
- Apple aims to reduce reliance on Chinese factories for US-bound models
- India’s manufacturing ecosystem seen as more resilient and scalable
- Foxconn and Tata now lead Apple’s India-based assembly operations
- Tata expected to handle nearly half of India’s iPhone output by 2027
Infrastructure and Workforce Readiness
The ramp-up in India has been supported by significant infrastructure investments and workforce training. Foxconn has expanded its southern India operations, while Tata has taken over facilities previously run by Wistron and Pegatron. Apple has also brought in engineers from Taiwan and Japan to support quality control and line maturity.
- Foxconn exported $4.4 billion worth of iPhones from India in the first five months of 2025
- Tata’s Hosur plant now fully operational, contributing to Pro model assembly
- Apple has replaced repatriated Chinese engineers with regional talent
- Local yield rates and production efficiency have improved significantly
Policy Support and Export Dynamics
India’s elevation as a core manufacturing hub aligns with the government’s Make in India initiative, which offers incentives for electronics production and export. The country’s favorable policy environment and skilled labor pool have made it an attractive destination for global tech firms seeking to hedge against geopolitical risks.
- iPhone exports from India reached $7.5 billion between April and July 2025
- US remains the top export destination, followed by UAE, UK, and Japan
- India now accounts for 20 percent of global iPhone output, projected to reach 40 percent by 2027
- Apple’s India-made iPhones help mitigate tariff exposure in the US market
Looking Ahead
Apple’s decision to manufacture the entire iPhone 17 lineup in India marks a pivotal moment in the company’s global strategy. As India strengthens its position in the electronics supply chain, Apple’s long-term commitment could reshape the dynamics of smartphone production and trade. With discussions already underway for iPhone 18 manufacturing, India’s role in Apple’s future appears firmly secured.
Sources: News18, Outlook Business, MSN News, Firstpost, Economic Times.
