Is India Becoming Apple's Top Alternative to China?

New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) With its competitive advantages, India is emerging as a prime location for technology giants like Apple. The US-based company has reiterated its dedication to manufacture products locally and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Recent reports indicate that Apple recognizes the significance of ‘Make in India’, and its investment plans in the country remain unchanged.

Previously, former US President Donald Trump urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to abandon plans for establishing additional manufacturing sites in India, advocating instead for production in the US. Trump noted, “Apple will be increasing its production in the United States,” during a discussion in Doha, Qatar.

In recent years, India has become a vital hub for Apple’s global supply chain.

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia mentioned earlier this month that multinational tech companies like Apple find substantial economic advantages in setting up production facilities in India.

“Apple has made the decision to source and manufacture all its mobile devices in India in the coming years. Investing in India means choosing affordability, reliability, and originality,” the minister commented.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently revealed that the company will source the majority of its iPhones for the US market from India in the upcoming April-June quarter, while China will cater to other international markets.

According to an IDC report published on Monday, Apple achieved a remarkable 23% growth among the top five smartphone brands in India during the January-March quarter, shipping a record three million units.

In the March quarter, the iPhone 16 emerged as the highest shipped model, accounting for 4% of total shipments in India during Q1 2025.

Prabhu Ram, VP at CyberMedia Research (CMR), stated that India is increasingly becoming a crucial and strategic element in Apple’s global supply chain—not only due to its expanding domestic market but also its growing export capabilities and supportive policy environment.

“With scalable, high-quality manufacturing, a skilled workforce, and rapidly advancing infrastructure, India is asserting itself as Apple’s most promising alternative to China for both assembly and exports in the coming decade,” he noted.

Despite political pressure for US-based manufacturing, replicating Asia's robust ecosystem and integrated supply chain in the US will remain a daunting and costly endeavor.

“Most components would still need to be sourced from Asia, and any significant transition would necessitate sustained investment over many years. In this context, India’s role will continue to strengthen, underscoring its significance in Apple’s global manufacturing and distribution strategy,” Ram added.