Apple now produces one in four iPhones in India

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Apple is increasingly expanding its global production outside of China, with India becoming a key location. The technology company has significantly increased iPhone production there and now manufactures roughly one in four devices in the country.

This development is part of a larger strategy: Apple wants to diversify its supply chains and reduce risks from geopolitical tensions.

For many years, China was Apple's most important production location. A large proportion of iPhones were assembled there. However, trade conflicts between the US and China, as well as potential tariffs, have led major technology companies to diversify their manufacturing more.

India is becoming increasingly important in this context. Government support programs, large production partners, and a growing industry are making the country ever more attractive for Apple.

Apple significantly increases production in India

Apple significantly increased iPhone production in India in 2025. According to a Bloomberg report, approximately 55 million iPhones were assembled in the country, compared to around 36 million the previous year.

This represents a growth of approximately 53 percent within one year. Apple produces roughly 220 to 230 million iPhones worldwide each year. This means that approximately a quarter of total production now comes from India.

Expanding manufacturing is part of Apple's strategy to reduce its dependence on China and avoid potential tariffs on devices produced there.

India is becoming more important for smartphone exports

India is developing into a major location for smartphone production. A report from the market research company Canalys last year concluded that India has now overtaken China as the largest producer of smartphones shipped to the US.

Large manufacturers like Apple are significantly contributing to this development by increasingly relocating their production to the country.

Government funding programs support production

Government incentives from the Indian government play a key role. Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to make India a global manufacturing hub in the long term.

To address this, so-called production-related subsidies were introduced. These programs provide financial support to companies that expand their manufacturing operations within the country. According to Bloomberg, these subsidies help to offset structural disadvantages, such as a less developed supply chain and logistical challenges.

Nevertheless, electronics manufacturing in India remains often more expensive than in China or Vietnam. Therefore, companies like Apple and Samsung continue to push for additional government support.

Discussions about new funding measures

Several electronics manufacturers are currently negotiating with the Indian government about a new round of support programs to further boost export growth.

Existing subsidies for smartphone production expire on March 31. At the same time, the US Supreme Court recently lifted some tariffs against China. This puts pressure on the government in New Delhi to quickly create new incentives to ensure India remains competitive as a manufacturing location.

Apple also produces current iPhone models in India

Apple now assembles all models of the current iPhone 17 series in India, including the more expensive iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max variants.

Production is handled by partner companies such as Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron. In addition to the current generation, older models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are also manufactured there. The devices are intended for both the Indian market and export.

Apple is massively expanding iPhone production in India

India is increasingly becoming an important production location for Apple. With around 55 million iPhones manufactured there and a share of about a quarter of global production, the country now plays a central role in the company's supply chain.

The expansion of manufacturing demonstrates how global electronics production is increasingly being redistributed. India could gain further importance in the coming years, especially if new government support programs are enacted. (Image: Shutterstock / Only_NewPhoto)