Apple Eyes Full iPhone Assembly Shift to India

Apple is reportedly set to shift the entire assembly of iPhones sold in the U.S. to India by next year, marking a major transformation in its global manufacturing strategy. The move comes amid growing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with Apple aiming to reduce its dependence on Chinese production, according to the Financial Times.
The final decision will depend on how quickly India can expand its supply chain infrastructure and the outcome of ongoing trade talks between Washington and Beijing. U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressing Apple to relocate production out of China, and the company appears to be aligning with that directive.
India’s manufacturing landscape is already evolving to accommodate this shift. Foxconn’s new facility in Bengaluru is expected to go operational this month and could scale up to produce 20 million iPhones annually at peak capacity. In Tamil Nadu, another Foxconn facility contributes nearly 50% of Apple’s exports from India. Overall, Apple’s supply chain accounts for about 70% of the country’s total tech exports.
Over the past year, Apple has assembled iPhones worth $22 billion in India—a record for the brand. India now produces nearly 20% of Apple’s global iPhone output, underlining its growing importance in Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Beyond production, the Indian market itself is gaining traction. In Q1 2025, Apple shipped over 3 million iPhones in India—its highest ever for the region—driven by affordability initiatives such as no-cost EMIs, cashback offers, and online discounts.
Experts forecast a steady 10–15% annual growth in Apple’s Indian business this year. With expanding demand and a maturing supply chain, India is fast emerging as a central pillar of Apple’s global operations.