Made in India, Sold Worldwide: Foxconn’s Bengaluru Plant Powers Up iPhone 17

Image Source: Swarajya

Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India just got a major upgrade. Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has officially commenced production of the iPhone 17 at its newly launched Bengaluru facility, marking a pivotal moment in India’s ascent as a global tech manufacturing hub. This development not only strengthens Apple’s supply chain diversification but also underscores India’s growing strategic importance in the smartphone ecosystem.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the latest developments:

1. A Strategic Launch in Devanahalli, Bengaluru
- Foxconn’s Bengaluru unit, located in Devanahalli, is now operational and producing iPhone 17 units at a small scale
- This facility is Foxconn’s second-largest outside China and represents a massive investment of USD 2.8 billion (approximately ₹25,000 crore)
- The Bengaluru plant complements Foxconn’s existing iPhone 17 production at its Chennai unit, expanding Apple’s manufacturing base in India

2. Overcoming Initial Setbacks
- The launch faced a brief disruption when hundreds of Chinese engineers abruptly returned home
- Foxconn swiftly addressed the talent gap by bringing in experts from Taiwan and other regions, ensuring continuity in operations
- Despite the hiccup, the plant has successfully begun production, showcasing Foxconn’s agility and commitment to its India strategy

3. Apple’s Ambitious Production Goals
- Apple plans to ramp up iPhone production in India to 60 million units in 2025, a significant leap from the 35–40 million units produced in 2024
- In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, Apple assembled 60 percent more iPhones in India, valued at an estimated USD 22 billion
- CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the majority of iPhones sold in the US during June 2025 were manufactured in India, highlighting the country’s rising role in Apple’s global supply chain

4. India’s Growing Influence in Apple’s Supply Chain
- Apple’s exports from India in March 2025 reached 3.1 million units, indicating a need to double shipments to meet US demand
- The company is now redirecting some domestic-bound shipments and expanding capacity to meet international requirements
- This shift aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on China and leverage India’s manufacturing capabilities

5. Domestic Market Dynamics and Performance
- Apple’s supplies within India grew by 21.5 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reaching 5.9 million units
- The iPhone 16 emerged as the highest-shipped model across the country during this period
- In Q2 2025, Apple’s market share in India’s smartphone segment rose to 7.5 percent, with a 19.7 percent year-on-year growth in shipments
- Despite Apple’s gains, Vivo led the Indian smartphone market in the June quarter with a 19 percent share

6. Implications for India’s Tech Ecosystem
- Foxconn’s Bengaluru launch is a strong signal of India’s readiness to host high-end electronics manufacturing
- The move is expected to generate thousands of jobs, boost ancillary industries, and attract further foreign investment
- It also aligns with India’s push for tech independence and its ambition to become a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse

7. What’s Next for Apple and Foxconn in India
- With the iPhone 17 production underway, Apple is likely to deepen its India operations, possibly introducing more models for local assembly
- Foxconn’s investment trajectory suggests further expansion, potentially making India a central node in Apple’s global supply chain
- As geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities persist, India’s role in Apple’s strategy will only grow more prominent

Sources: The Hindu Business Line, Rediff Money, Devdiscourse, NewsBytes, The Economic Times