How have India's smartphone exports exceeded Rs 1 lakh crore this fiscal year with Apple in the lead?
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Synopsis
India's smartphone exports have set a new record of over Rs 1 lakh crore in the first five months of FY26, with Apple leading the way. This remarkable growth highlights India's emerging role in global electronics manufacturing and the impact of the production-linked incentive scheme. Discover how this trend is reshaping the tech landscape.
Key Takeaways
- India's smartphone exports surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore in FY26's first five months.
- Apple's manufacturing partners contributed significantly to this growth.
- The PLI scheme has fueled Apple's production expansion in India.
- India's share of US smartphone imports increased to 44% this year.
- The number of mobile manufacturing units in India has risen to 300.
New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) India's smartphone exports have surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore in value within the first five months of FY26, achieving a remarkable milestone, as per industry reports.
Despite facing tariff and trade conflicts with the US, the smartphone export figures for India reflect a substantial 55 percent increase from Rs 64,500 crore during the same period last fiscal year (FY25).
Leading the charge, tech behemoth Apple's contract manufacturers, Tata Electronics and Foxconn, accounted for nearly 75 percent of total outbound shipments, contributing over Rs 75,000 crore in exports, according to industry insiders.
The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has motivated the US tech giant to establish its manufacturing footprint in India. Apple has ramped up production in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, effectively utilizing the PLI scheme while remaining shielded from potential tariff hikes.
So far in 2025, the iPhone manufacturer has dedicated a significant portion of its export capacity in India to cater to the US market. Shipments of iPhones from India to the US have surged, with 78 percent of domestically assembled iPhones exported there in the first half of 2025, compared to 53 percent the previous year.
This year, India's share of US smartphone imports has risen to 44 percent, while China's share has diminished to 25 percent, down from 61 percent in mid-2024. The volume of “Made-in-India” smartphones has experienced a remarkable growth of over 240 percent YoY.
Alongside China and Vietnam, India is emerging as a significant player in the global electronics manufacturing landscape, with companies shifting their production bases to diversify supply chains.
While Samsung and Motorola have also ramped up their US-targeted shipments from India, their transitions are notably slower and less extensive compared to Apple's. Similar to Apple, Motorola's primary manufacturing hub remains in China, while Samsung primarily relies on production in Vietnam.
India now boasts 300 mobile manufacturing units, a significant increase from just two in 2014. In FY14, 26 percent of mobile phones sold in India were manufactured locally, a figure that has skyrocketed to 99.2 percent being produced domestically, as per government data.
Point of View
I firmly believe that India's surge in smartphone exports signals a transformative phase in our economy. The leadership of companies like Apple in this sector not only bolsters our manufacturing capabilities but also positions India favorably on the global stage. This trend is a testament to our potential and resilience in the face of challenges.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to the rise in smartphone exports from India?
Several factors contributed to the rise in smartphone exports, including the production-linked incentive scheme that encourages manufacturers to enhance production capabilities in India, as well as the increasing global demand for smartphones, particularly from the US market.
How has Apple's role impacted India's smartphone export figures?
Apple's contract manufacturers, Tata Electronics and Foxconn, accounted for a significant portion of India's smartphone exports, contributing over Rs 75,000 crore. Their investment and expansion in India have played a crucial role in this growth.
What is the significance of India's share in US smartphone imports?
India's share of US smartphone imports has increased to 44 percent, reflecting a shift in the global supply chain and the country's growing manufacturing capabilities, especially in comparison to China's declining share.
How many mobile manufacturing units are currently in India?
India now has 300 mobile manufacturing units, a dramatic increase from just two in 2014, showcasing the rapid growth of the domestic manufacturing sector.
What is the future outlook for India's smartphone export market?
The future outlook for India's smartphone export market appears positive, driven by increasing domestic production, government incentives, and a growing global demand for electronics.
