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The global economic situation is forcing many companies to make new decisions. Apple is no exception. The tariff dispute between the US and China, in particular, is causing disruption in Apple's supply chain. In April 2025, a significant change occurred: iPhone exports from India to the US doubled. This move is part of a larger strategy.
Apple has been shifting some of its production from China to India for some time now. Pressure from the US, particularly the announcement and implementation of new tariffs, has significantly accelerated this process. Recent months have shown that Apple is not just testing shipments from India, but is making the switch on a large scale. The current figures and developments demonstrate how seriously Apple is taking this change.
Apple massively increases India exports in April 2025
According to supplier reports submitted to the Indian government and seen by Business Standard, Apple's exports from India to the US in April 2025 reached a value of over Rs 17,219 crore, equivalent to approximately US$2.03 billion. This represents an increase of 116 percent compared to April 2024. This figure is consistent with other reports , including those from the Times of India, which found that in March 2025, approximately 97.6 percent of total iPhone exports from India went directly to the United States. Between December 2024 and February 2025, the figure was 81.9 percent.
Tim Cook confirms relocation to India
Apple CEO Tim Cook also commented on the new direction. Before the release of the company's financial results for the second quarter of 2025, he explained that more than half of the iPhones sold in the US now come from India. This makes it clear that India has long been more than just a supplementary location for Apple.
New production facilities and long-term plans
In April, Apple's Indian assembly partner Tata opened a new factory. Foxconn followed shortly thereafter with another production facility. These new locations are part of a larger plan: According to reports, Apple intends to have nearly every iPhone 18 sold in the US manufactured in India by the end of 2026. Apple is not only responding to short-term political developments but also pursuing a long-term goal. The geographical distribution of production is intended to mitigate risks in the supply chain—especially in the event of global events such as trade conflicts or pandemics.
Tariffs against China as a trigger
The renewed increase in US tariffs against China under President Donald Trump's administration has demonstrated Apple's vulnerability to a single manufacturing country. Even though Apple is currently exempt from planned semiconductor tariffs, the pressure remains. The move to increase production in India is therefore a hedge against future restrictions.
India becomes the new center for Apple's iPhone production
Cupertino is significantly adjusting its global production strategy. The relocation of iPhone production to India is not a short-term reaction, but part of a long-term restructuring plan. The numbers speak for themselves: Over $2 billion in export value in April 2025 alone, a nearly 98 percent share of export volume to the US, and the CEO's statement that more than half of US iPhones now come from India. For Apple, India is not just an alternative option, but a new core location. The coming years should show how strongly this change will impact prices, availability, and market share. (Image: Shutterstock / sdx15)
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