April 25, 2025:
Sahil Aggarwal
(Editor-in-Chief)
In a major shift signaling India’s rising stature in global manufacturing, Apple Inc. is planning to produce the majority of iPhones intended for the U.S. market in India by the end of 2026. This strategic transition reflects the tech giant’s efforts to reduce dependency on China and expand its manufacturing footprint amid evolving geopolitical and supply chain dynamics.
Currently, a significant portion of Apple’s iPhones are assembled in China. However, recent challenges—including trade tensions and COVID-related disruptions—have prompted the company to rethink its global production strategy. India has emerged as a key alternative, thanks to its growing manufacturing ecosystem and favorable government policies.
According to industry insiders, Apple is working closely with its key suppliers—Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata-owned Wistron—to ramp up assembly lines in India. The target is to manufacture around 50 million iPhones annually in the country by 2026, with much of the output slated for export to the United States.
This expansion aligns closely with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing through incentives and policy support. It’s also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and boost local economies in regions where the factories are based.
Beyond job creation, the move could position India as a pivotal hub for high-end electronics assembly, challenging the dominance of long-established centers in East Asia.
Apple’s decision marks a new chapter in global supply chain dynamics and underscores the company’s confidence in India’s capabilities. As this transition unfolds, it will be watched closely by both industry analysts and global policymakers, given its implications for trade, labor, and technology infrastructure.