Did Apple’s iPhone Exports from India Surpass $50 Billion Under the PLI Scheme?
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Synopsis
Apple has made headlines by achieving a remarkable milestone with its iPhone exports from India surpassing $50 billion under the PLI scheme. This achievement emphasizes India's growing significance in the global smartphone market and Apple’s strong foothold in the country. Learn more about this exciting development and its implications for the tech industry.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's iPhone exports from India have surpassed $50 billion.
- The PLI scheme is set to conclude in March 2026.
- India is now the world's second-largest mobile phone producer.
- Apple accounts for approximately 75% of total smartphone exports.
- Local manufacturing initiatives are boosting the economy and job creation.
New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The American technology powerhouse Apple has reached a significant achievement under India's smartphone production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, with iPhone exports soaring past $50 billion by December 2025, according to industry data.
With three months remaining in Apple’s five-year PLI period, this figure is anticipated to increase further. In the initial nine months of FY26, iPhone exports approached $16 billion, pushing the total shipments during the PLI timeframe beyond the $50 billion threshold.
In contrast, Samsung exported devices valued at around $17 billion during its five-year eligibility under the same scheme from FY21 to FY25.
Apple's manufacturing presence in India includes five iPhone assembly plants—three managed by Tata Group entities and two by Foxconn—backed by a supply chain of about 45 companies, including several MSMEs that supply components for both domestic and global operations.
Fueled primarily by iPhone shipments, which accounted for approximately 75 percent of total smartphone exports, smartphones emerged as India's most significant export category in FY25, rising from the 167th position among export items in 2015.
India has now become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with over 99 percent of phones sold domestically being Made in India. The nation has ascended the manufacturing value chain.
The smartphone PLI scheme is set to conclude in March 2026, although the government is reportedly considering extending support.
Revised regulations permit companies to claim incentives for any five consecutive years within a six-year timeframe.
Apple's suppliers and Samsung were chosen under the electronics component manufacturing scheme, with Samsung planning to set up a display module sub-assembly unit, which is expected to create jobs for about 300 individuals.
In the first 11 months of 2025, Apple sold approximately 6.5 million iPhone 16 units, making it the top-selling smartphone in the country, as per a recent report.
The report from Counterpoint Research indicated that Apple outperformed Android competitors during the same period. The firm’s data revealed a notable gap, with the iPhone 15 also featuring in the top five best-selling list.
Point of View
It's clear that Apple's achievement in crossing the $50 billion mark in iPhone exports under the PLI scheme is a testament to India's growing stature in the global smartphone manufacturing landscape. This trend not only strengthens Apple's operational foothold in the country but also propels India's economic growth and technological advancement. As we look ahead, it will be interesting to observe how these developments continue to shape our local and global tech industry.
NationPress
06/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Apple's $50 billion iPhone exports?
Apple's achievement of exceeding $50 billion in iPhone exports under the PLI scheme underscores its commitment to manufacturing in India and reflects the country's growing stature in the global smartphone market.
How does Apple's export compare to Samsung's?
During the same PLI eligibility period, Samsung's exports were valued at about $17 billion, showing Apple's remarkable lead in the iPhone export segment.
What is the PLI scheme?
The PLI scheme is an initiative by the Indian government designed to enhance domestic manufacturing and attract global technology companies to produce within India.
How many iPhone assembly plants does Apple have in India?
Apple operates five iPhone assembly plants in India, with three run by Tata Group entities and two by Foxconn.
What impact does this have on India's economy?
Apple's success in iPhone exports boosts local manufacturing, creates jobs, and enhances India's position as a major player in the global tech industry.
