Synopsis : Apple has produced $22 billion worth of iPhones in India over the past year, marking a bold 60% increase in production. With 20% of global iPhones now made in India, the tech giant is fast shifting its manufacturing base from China.
Apple Inc., the world’s most valuable tech brand, is shifting gears — and factories. In a stunning development, the company assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India during the 12-month period ending March 2025. This represents a massive 60% year-on-year surge, and now, 1 out of every 5 iPhones globally is made in India.
This milestone marks Apple’s most decisive move yet in reducing its historic dependence on Chinese manufacturing. The Cupertino-based giant is navigating geopolitical shifts, tariff wars, and post-pandemic disruptions by betting big on India. And it seems to be paying off.
The majority of these Indian-made iPhones are being built at Foxconn Technology Group’s massive factory in southern India. Tata Group, through its acquisition of Wistron Corp. and control over Pegatron’s operations, has also emerged as a critical partner in Apple’s India supply chain.
According to sources close to the matter, Apple’s production numbers in India reflect the factory-gate value of the devices, not the marked-up retail price — underscoring the scale of the operation from a manufacturing perspective.
India isn’t just manufacturing these iPhones — it's shipping them out globally. Apple exported ₹1.5 trillion ($17.4 billion) worth of iPhones from India during the fiscal year, with a significant chunk heading straight to the U.S. market. This uptick aligns with Donald Trump’s push for “reciprocal” tariffs earlier in the year, prompting Apple to intensify its India focus.
Interestingly, the Trump administration has recently exempted electronics like smartphones and computers from these tariffs. This is great news for companies like Apple and Nvidia, as India-made iPhones currently enjoy a duty-free advantage when entering the U.S.
However, Apple’s supply chain isn’t ready for a full China exit just yet. The company still depends on nearly 200 Chinese suppliers, and shifting this intricate web could take years. Even Bloomberg Intelligence once projected it would take eight years to relocate just 10% of Apple’s capacity from China.
CEO Tim Cook has long acknowledged China’s unmatched precision in electronics manufacturing. Despite geopolitical pressure, Apple has no immediate plans to relocate production to the U.S. due to limitations in infrastructure and skilled labor.
That said, India’s momentum is undeniable. Apple now assembles its full iPhone lineup in India, including the ultra-premium Titanium Pro series. This progress is strongly backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which has rolled out generous subsidies and recently announced $2.7 billion in new incentives for electronic components and semiconductor development.
From being just a sales market to becoming a core production hub, India’s journey with Apple is remarkable. With an 8% market share and $8 billion in sales in FY24, Apple is clearly here to stay and scale.
The next chapter of Apple’s global dominance may just be written — in Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune instead of Beijing and Shanghai.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute business, financial, or legal advice. Please consult with professionals before making any commercial decisions.
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