Apple's iPhone Crowned India's Top Export Item with $23 Billion in 2025
Synopsis
Apple's iPhone has dramatically transformed India's export landscape, achieving a remarkable $23 billion in shipments in 2025. This significant milestone underscores the growing importance of the smartphone sector in the nation's economy, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences and manufacturing capabilities.
Key Takeaways
Apple's iPhone exports reached $23 billion in 2025.
Smartphones became the top export category in India.
Apple held 76% share of total smartphone exports.
Five iPhone assembly plants operate in India.
India is now the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally.
New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) In 2025, Apple’s iPhone emerged as the leading export item from India, with an impressive value of around $23 billion attributed to devices manufactured locally, predominantly for the United States market, as per industry insights.
This remarkable increase in Apple exports can be attributed to production incentives like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and a strategic move to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers, according to industry experts.
For the first time, smartphones topped India’s export categories, eclipsing automotive diesel fuel, with total exports reaching $30.13 billion during the January-December timeframe. Notably, Apple constituted a significant 76 percent of the total smartphone exports. The five-year PLI initiative from Apple is set to conclude in March 2026.
Apple's manufacturing presence in India consists of five iPhone assembly facilities—three managed by Tata Group entities and two by Foxconn—backed by a supply network of approximately 45 companies, including numerous MSMEs providing components for both domestic and international markets.
India has now ascended to become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with over 99 percent of phones sold in the country being Made in India, thus enhancing its manufacturing value proposition.
Shifts in Indian consumers’ smartphone purchasing behavior have become evident, moving away from traditional budget models. The iPhone 16 base variant has recently been reported as the top-selling smartphone model of 2025, according to findings by Counterpoint Research.
During the December quarter, Apple achieved unprecedented revenue milestones across the Americas, Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific.
“We have been gaining traction in emerging markets, including India, where we experienced robust double-digit revenue growth,” stated Apple CEO Tim Cook during a recent earnings call.
Furthermore, the company is preparing to inaugurate an additional store in Mumbai on February 26.
Tim Cook emphasized that they set a quarterly revenue record in India during the December quarter.
“India is the second-largest smartphone market globally and ranks as the fourth largest PC market,” he added, highlighting that quarterly revenue records were achieved for the iPhone, Mac, and iPad, alongside an all-time high for services.
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Point of View
The rise of Apple’s iPhone as India's top export item is a testament to the country’s capabilities in manufacturing and innovation. It signifies a pivotal moment for India's economy, showcasing how strategic initiatives can lead to substantial growth in high-value sectors.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the value of iPhone exports from India in 2025?
In 2025, the value of iPhone exports from India reached approximately $23 billion.
What factors contributed to the increase in iPhone exports?
The increase in iPhone exports was driven by production incentives like the PLI scheme and a shift away from dependency on Chinese suppliers.
How much of India's smartphone exports does Apple account for?
Apple accounted for 76 percent of total smartphone exports from India.
When does Apple's five-year PLI window end?
Apple's five-year PLI window is scheduled to end in March 2026.
What is the significance of the iPhone 16 model in 2025?
The iPhone 16 base variant emerged as the top-selling smartphone model in India for the year 2025.
