Apple to Produce Full iPhone 17 Lineup in India for U.S. Market
In a significant and unprecedented move, Apple Inc. is set to manufacture all four iPhone 17 models, including its premium Pro versions, in India for the U.S. market, according to a report by Bloomberg and sources familiar with the company’s plans. The devices, slated for a debut next month, will mark the first time an entire new iPhone family will ship from the South Asian country from the very beginning.
This strategic pivot is part of Apple’s long-term effort to lessen its reliance on China for production and mitigate the impact of tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The company has expanded its manufacturing footprint in India to five factories, including newly operational plants owned by the Tata Group in Hosur and Foxconn Technology Group near Bangalore.
The expansion comes as the value of iPhone exports from India has seen a sharp acceleration. In the four months beginning in April, India exported USD7.5 billion worth of iPhones, which is nearly half of the $17 billion exported during the entire previous fiscal year. This dramatic increase underscores the rapid scaling of Apple’s manufacturing capabilities in the country.
Apple’s decision is heavily influenced by the volatile U.S. trade environment. While the Trump administration has so far exempted electronics like the iPhone from certain tariffs, Apple has had to navigate a constantly shifting policy landscape. To secure these exemptions, CEO Tim Cook has pledged a massive USD600 billion investment in U.S. operations over the next four years.
The diversification strategy has not been without its challenges. In response to Apple’s manufacturing shift, Chinese officials have reportedly encouraged regulatory agencies to curb technology and equipment exports to India. Additionally, Foxconn recalled hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians from its Indian factories, prompting Apple to fly in replacements from Taiwan and Japan at a higher cost. Despite these hurdles, production has remained on track.
Beyond the flagship iPhone 17 family, Apple is already discussing plans for the iPhone 18 production in India, with early work expected to ramp up in the coming weeks. The company also intends to produce a new iPhone 17e in India for an early next-year launch.
To know more about the rumoured features and specs of the iPhone 17 lineup, including its new A19 Pro chip and camera upgrades, you can read our previous article here.
