Apple has been building its independence from China for years. Although many see the trade dispute between the US and China as the trigger, Apple had already begun its change of course earlier. India is playing an increasingly large role in this process. It's not just about new locations, but also a clear signal: Apple wants to broaden its footprint and reduce dependencies.
People who buy an iPhone rarely think about where it was built. But behind the shiny design lies a complex network of suppliers and production facilities – and this network is currently shifting significantly. One in five iPhones is now manufactured in India. That's a significant proportion, and the numbers show that the shift is progressing rapidly.
Apple's iPhone production continues to shift
Apple had already begun shifting its iPhone production from China to other countries long before the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. India was a key focus from the beginning. Even though the US government still expects Apple to produce more in the US, the company is consistently implementing its international plans. By March 2025, according to The Straits Times, India had become a major manufacturing location. Between the end of March 2024 and the end of March 2025, iPhones worth $22 billion were manufactured there, representing a 60 percent increase over the previous year.
Unclear information, but clear direction
Some of the information in the report is ambiguous. The $22 billion figure is attributed to the Indian Minister of Technology, but it remains unclear whether this is Ashwini Vaishnaw herself or a statement from his ministry. Furthermore, there are no precise details on how many iPhones this figure represents – for example, because it is not known which models were produced and in what quantities. It is also unclear how many of the iPhones manufactured in India were sold there and how many were intended for export.
Previous reports speak of 30 to 40 million devices per year, of which about 12 million remain in India. This would mean that a large portion is actually shipped to other countries. The $22 billion figure refers to the factory value of the devices. This is the price before shipping, taxes, or any customs duties—not the amount paid by end customers. Therefore, no reliable unit count can be derived from this figure (via The Straits Times).
India accounts for 20 percent of global iPhone production
Despite the unclear details, one thing is clear: India now accounts for 20 percent of Apple's total iPhone production. This fits with the company's previous goals of shifting a quarter of production there in the medium term. According to recent reports, Apple's main manufacturing partner, Foxconn, also plans to double its production capacity in India by the end of 2025. This demonstrates that Apple and its partners are committed to this location for the long term. This is an economic success for India and a strategic move for Apple.
iPhones from India – more than just a trend
India is playing an increasingly important role for Apple. 20 percent of all iPhones now originate there, and the number is rising. The relocation of production is not just a response to political tensions, but also part of a long-term strategy. Apple is reducing risks, diversifying its supply chain, and building capacity at new locations. What does this mean for you? Your next iPhone may no longer come from China, but from India – and that's no coincidence, but a planned step in Apple's global expansion. (Image: Apple)
- iPhone 16e puts Apple at the top of the smartphone market
- Q2/2025: Apple to present figures on May 1 – and discuss tariffs
