Apple’s Strategic Shift: Expanding iPhone Production in India

Since 2017, Apple has been in discussions with Indian officials to relocate a portion of its iPhone manufacturing to India, prompted by global trade tensions and the need to diversify production beyond China. Over the past eight years, Apple, along with its suppliers Foxconn and Tata Electronics, has established manufacturing facilities in the Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Notably, the production of the iPhone 16 Pro has been moved to India, positioning the country as Apple’s largest exporter of mobile phones. Currently, 15% of iPhones are manufactured in India, with projections to increase this share to 25% by 2027. While this move signifies confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities, Apple faces challenges in developing a robust local supply chain and achieving labor flexibility comparable to that in China. The Indian government’s support and evolving partnerships with companies like Tata will be crucial as India aims to enhance its role in advanced manufacturing.