Synopsis : Foxconn has started shipping key iPhone 17 components to India for trial production this month, with full-scale assembly set to begin in August. Apple plans to manufacture the iPhone 17 simultaneously in India and China for a global launch in September.
In a major step toward localising iPhone production, Foxconn Technology Group, a key Apple supplier, has begun importing crucial iPhone 17 parts from China to India. The move signals the beginning of trial assembly operations this month, as Apple prepares for mass production in August, targeting a September launch.
According to customs data cited by The Economic Times, these shipments include display assemblies, cover glass, mechanical housings, and rear camera modules, though in relatively low volumes—typical of pre-production phases.
About 10% of Foxconn’s June imports from China were for the iPhone 17, while the bulk comprised parts for older models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16, ahead of India’s festive season.
Strategic Shift in Apple’s Global Manufacturing
Apple appears committed to its Make in India roadmap. With India now integrated into Apple’s New Product Introduction (NPI) process as of the iPhone 16 base model, the iPhone 17 will likely be the first model to be manufactured simultaneously in India and China.
This marks a strategic decoupling from China, spurred by steep US tariffs on Chinese imports under the Trump administration. Apple aims to supply iPhones to the US from India by 2026, avoiding potential geopolitical risks and aligning with global supply chain diversification trends.
Foxconn Faces Production Hiccups Amid Chinese Pressure
Despite the progress, Foxconn has pulled hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians from its Indian operations, according to Business Standard. This move may delay the iPhone 17's assembly schedule, especially with reports that Chinese Customs are holding back key machinery required to prepare Indian production lines for the new model.
Sources indicate this could be China’s way of retaining advanced manufacturing capabilities, amid increasing global competition and strategic interests in keeping critical technology domestic.
India’s iPhone Manufacturing Hub Expands
Apple and Foxconn are rapidly expanding their footprint in India, with new factories under construction in Bengaluru and other regions. The goal is not just assembly but deep localisation of the iPhone supply chain, from components to exports.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or business advice. Please consult a qualified expert before making decisions based on this information.
