Apple Expands India Manufacturing as iPhone 17 Production Gears Up

By siliconindia | Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 10:06 Hrs

Apple is producing all four iPhone 17 models, including Pro versions, in India ahead of the global launch.
Exports of iPhones from India surged, with $7.5 million worth shipped between April and July this year.
Tata and Foxconn lead Apple’s Indian supply chain, with Tata expected to contribute nearly half of local output in two years.

Apple Inc. is rapidly increasing its iPhone production in India, marking a major shift in its global manufacturing strategy. For the first time, all iPhone 17 models, including the premium Pro variants are being assembled in India ahead of their global launch next month.

This move reflects Apple’s growing intent to reduce its dependence on China by diversifying production. The tech giant is now operating across five factories in India, including new facilities by Tata Group in Hosur and Foxconn near Bengaluru airport.

Tata has emerged as a major player in Apple’s local supply chain. Sources told Bloomberg that Tata’s plants alone could produce nearly 50% of India’s total iPhone output in the next two years. This rise in manufacturing has also led to a jump in exports between April and July this year, India exported $7.5 million worth of iPhones at factory gate prices, compared to $17 billion in the previous fiscal year.

Apple’s pivot to India is also driven by trade concerns. While iPhones currently avoid tariffs in the US, future levies could apply. To safeguard its position, Apple has shifted most US-bound production to India and CEO Tim Cook has pledged $600 billion in US investments over four years to maintain tariff exemptions.

Also Read: Apple to Produce Majority of US-Bound iPhones in India for June Quarter: Tim Cook

The company’s long-term bet on India is clear. Apple began assembling iPhones in India in 2017 and has steadily grown its footprint, aided by government incentives. With Tata acquiring Wistron’s factory and taking control of Pegatron’s Chennai plant, India is set to become a core hub for Apple’s global supply chain.