New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Apple is ramping up its manufacturing efforts in India, with all variants of the iPhone 17 series, including the premium Pro models, being produced locally from the outset.

This marks the first occasion that the tech company will assemble every new iPhone model in India, a strategic decision aimed at reducing dependency on China and mitigating risks associated with US tariffs.

Sources indicate that production of the iPhone 17 has been distributed across five local factories, with two of these facilities recently commencing operations. However, it has been noted that the number of units manufactured for the Pro models may be limited.

The expansion is centered around Tata Group’s new facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and Foxconn’s expansive new hub located near Bengaluru airport.

With Tata emerging as a critical partner for Apple, it is anticipated that the company will manage nearly half of India’s iPhone production within the next two years.

Foxconn has initiated the rollout of iPhone 17 units from its new $2.8 billion plant in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, which is now operational alongside its Chennai facility.

Despite facing challenges earlier this year when several Chinese engineers departed, Foxconn successfully brought in specialists from Taiwan and other regions to maintain production schedules.

Apple’s investment in India is already yielding positive results. From April to July this year, iPhones valued at $7.5 billion were exported from India, a significant increase compared to $17 billion for the entire previous fiscal year.

During the financial year ending in March, Apple assembled iPhones worth approximately $22 billion in India, representing a remarkable 60% increase from the preceding year.

This year, Apple is projected to boost production to 60 million iPhones, compared to about 35–40 million in 2024–25.

In a recent earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted India’s evolving role in the company’s supply chain, revealing that a majority of iPhones sold in the US in June 2025 were manufactured in India.

Analysts suggest that Apple’s transition has elevated India’s status as a global manufacturing hub. With S&P Global predicting US iPhone sales to reach nearly 76 million units in 2024, Apple will either need to double its shipments from India or redistribute devices from other markets to satisfy American demand.

Apple's influence in India's smartphone sector is also on the rise. Shipments increased by 21.5% in the first half of 2025, totaling 5.9 million units, with the iPhone 16 becoming the most shipped model.

In the June quarter, Apple’s shipments in India grew nearly 20% year-on-year, securing a 7.5% market share.

Industry experts regard the launch of the Bengaluru factory and the overall manufacturing shift as a pivotal moment in Apple’s diversification strategy.