India’s role in Apple’s global manufacturing strategy is becoming increasingly evident. According to a new report published by Bloomberg News, nearly a quarter of the new iPhone models produced worldwide are now made in India. According to the data in question, Apple produced approximately 55 million iPhones in India last year. It is stated that this figure will be approximately 36 million units in 2024, the previous year. Thus, it can be seen that there was a significant increase in production in a short time. This development also reveals that Apple’s efforts to expand its production network to countries outside China are accelerating.
Apple’s iPhone production in India actually dates back several years. The company first started assembling the iPhone SE model in India in 2017. A year later, the process expanded with the addition of the iPhone 6s model to this production line. Apple’s main goal at that time was to offer more competitive prices in the Indian market by avoiding the high import duties imposed on devices manufactured in China. In addition, local production was seen as a step compatible with the Indian government’s policies encouraging technology production.
Apple steadily increases iPhone production capacity in India
The change in Apple’s production strategy was not limited to tax advantages only. Increasing trade tensions between the USA and China have made the company more determined to expand its production network to different countries. Following these developments, production capacity in India was increased regularly. Apple’s important production partners such as Foxconn, Tata Electronics and Pegatron have started assembling new iPhone models in facilities in India.
In addition, there has been a remarkable transformation in the production process in recent years. In previous periods, iPhone models generally started to be produced in India months after the introduction. However, a different approach was adopted with the iPhone 15 series. As of the day it was introduced, this model was recorded as the first iPhone produced in India and simultaneously offered for sale in the local market. Thus, it was seen that production lines in India were integrated into Apple’s global supply chain faster.
The Indian government is also running various incentive programs to increase technology production. Within the scope of the production-linked incentive (PLI) program, tax advantages and financial support are provided to electronics manufacturers. These policies are among the effective factors in Apple suppliers expanding their investments in the country. In addition, the increasing role of domestic companies in Apple’s supply chain is also noteworthy. Tata Electronics, the electronics manufacturing arm of Tata Group, has recently become one of Apple’s important assembly partners.
On the other hand, some claims in industry sources indicate that India may become a more critical production center for Apple. According to some reports, it is also on the agenda to produce the entire iPhone 17 series to be sold in the US market in India. If this happens, India could become one of the largest centers alternative to China in Apple’s iPhone production.
In addition, some rumors emerging in late 2025 suggest that Apple is considering not only assembly but also chip manufacturing or chip packaging processes in India. Although these plans have not been officially confirmed, it is known that investments in semiconductor production are increasing in India. Despite all this, China still maintains its position as Apple’s largest production center.
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