Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025
Outside the box.
Apple Begins Simultaneous iPhone 17 Production in India and China
All four iPhone 17 models will be assembled in India from launch day as Apple accelerates its shift away from reliance on China.
Apple has initiated production of the entire iPhone 17 series in India ahead of its expected global debut, marking the first time all variants—including Pro models—will ship from the country on day one.
This builds on India’s expansion to five iPhone assembly plants, including two newly operational facilities.
In the first half of 2025, iPhone manufacturing in India surged by approximately fifty-three percent year-on-year, producing nearly twenty-four million units and generating exports valued at around twenty-two and a half billion dollars.
India now accounts for roughly one-fifth of Apple’s global iPhone output.
Foxconn has commenced trial production of the iPhone 17 in Tamil Nadu, having imported core components such as display assemblies, housing units, cover glass, and camera modules.
Full-scale production is projected to begin in August to meet a September launch timetable.
Apple had previously aimed to align India and China production timelines with the iPhone 16 line, but India did not start assembly until weeks later.
This simultaneous manufacturing rollout in India and China coincides with Apple’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on China, partly spurred by U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.
India-assembled iPhones are exempt from these tariffs.
Foxconn has recalled more than three hundred Chinese engineers from its Indian facilities, reportedly in response to Chinese export restrictions on skilled labour.
While Taiwanese staff remain onsite, industry analysts warn this may affect production efficiency and delay training of local personnel.
India’s rise as a manufacturing hub is supported by investments and partnerships with Chinese-Taiwanese assemblers and Indian firms, alongside government incentives.
As of fiscal 2024, approximately fourteen percent of iPhones were built in India—a share expected to double by 2025.
The Indian government has offered incentives totaling approximately two point seven billion dollars for local manufacturing development.
Foxconn is constructing new plants in Southern India, supported by additional funding from both state and central authorities.
These developments reflect a notable shift in Apple’s global supply chain configuration, balancing production between China and India amid evolving geopolitical and trade dynamics.
This builds on India’s expansion to five iPhone assembly plants, including two newly operational facilities.
In the first half of 2025, iPhone manufacturing in India surged by approximately fifty-three percent year-on-year, producing nearly twenty-four million units and generating exports valued at around twenty-two and a half billion dollars.
India now accounts for roughly one-fifth of Apple’s global iPhone output.
Foxconn has commenced trial production of the iPhone 17 in Tamil Nadu, having imported core components such as display assemblies, housing units, cover glass, and camera modules.
Full-scale production is projected to begin in August to meet a September launch timetable.
Apple had previously aimed to align India and China production timelines with the iPhone 16 line, but India did not start assembly until weeks later.
This simultaneous manufacturing rollout in India and China coincides with Apple’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on China, partly spurred by U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.
India-assembled iPhones are exempt from these tariffs.
Foxconn has recalled more than three hundred Chinese engineers from its Indian facilities, reportedly in response to Chinese export restrictions on skilled labour.
While Taiwanese staff remain onsite, industry analysts warn this may affect production efficiency and delay training of local personnel.
India’s rise as a manufacturing hub is supported by investments and partnerships with Chinese-Taiwanese assemblers and Indian firms, alongside government incentives.
As of fiscal 2024, approximately fourteen percent of iPhones were built in India—a share expected to double by 2025.
The Indian government has offered incentives totaling approximately two point seven billion dollars for local manufacturing development.
Foxconn is constructing new plants in Southern India, supported by additional funding from both state and central authorities.
These developments reflect a notable shift in Apple’s global supply chain configuration, balancing production between China and India amid evolving geopolitical and trade dynamics.
