Apple Boosts iPhone Production in India by 53%, Now a Major Player in Global Market
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) The renowned US technology company Apple has ramped up its iPhone manufacturing in India by an impressive 53 percent in 2025, producing approximately 55 million units, a significant increase from 36 million the previous year, as reported.
According to a Bloomberg report, the tech leader is now assembling 25 percent of its flagship devices in India, a strategic move to circumvent tariffs associated with China.
Globally, Apple produces around 220–230 million iPhones annually, with India’s contribution growing swiftly, mainly due to government-backed production-linked incentives, as highlighted in the report.
These subsidies have played a crucial role in alleviating structural cost challenges, including less robust supply chains and logistical hurdles compared to China.
The Cupertino-based firm currently assembles all variants of the iPhone 17 series in India, which includes the Pro and Pro Max models, utilizing suppliers like Foxconn Technology Group, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron Corp. Additionally, older models such as the iPhone 15 and 16 are still being manufactured locally for both domestic sale and export.
Furthermore, Apple is expanding its retail presence, with the total number of stores reaching six, and plans to introduce Apple Pay in India later this year, as sales in the region have exceeded $9 billion.
As the five-year PLI window for Apple is set to expire in March 2026, the company, along with Samsung and other firms, is in discussions with New Delhi regarding a new set of incentives to maintain export growth.
Analysts have indicated that although India has decreased the cost disparity with China and Vietnam, electronics assembly remains pricier, making government assistance essential for maintaining competitiveness.
In 2025, Apple’s iPhone emerged as the most valuable export item from India, with around $23 billion worth of devices exported, predominantly to the United States, according to industry statistics.
Smartphones ranked as India’s top export category for the first time, totaling $30.13 billion in exports during the January-December period, with Apple contributing to 76 percent of the total smartphone exports.
aar/na