Apple is set to manufacture all four models of the iPhone 17 in India for the first time, marking a significant shift in the tech giant’s global production strategy. The move is aimed at mitigating risks from fluctuating US tariffs and reducing reliance on China for the US market.
According to Bloomberg, Apple will expand iPhone 17 production across five factories in India, including newly operational plants. Tata Group’s facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and Foxconn’s plant near the Bengaluru airport will join existing production units, contributing to a substantial boost in domestic manufacturing.
This marks the first instance where Apple will produce and ship all variants of a new iPhone model from India from the outset. Tata Group, having acquired Wistron’s Apple plant in Karnataka and holding a controlling stake in Pegatron’s plant near Chennai, is expected to account for up to half of India’s iPhone output over the next two years, highlighting its emerging role as a key partner of Apple in the country.
India’s presence in global iPhone exports has grown rapidly. Data from early 2025 indicates that India’s share in US smartphone imports rose to nearly 36 percent in the first five months, up from about 11 percent in 2024, while China’s share declined from 82 percent to 49 percent.
The production shift comes amid a complex global tariff environment. Although US tariffs on electronics, including phones, were exempted after initial announcements, ongoing geopolitical developments have underscored the importance of diversified manufacturing bases for Apple. Earlier this month, CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to investing $100 billion in the United States to strengthen domestic manufacturing.
By expanding iPhone 17 production in India, Apple not only bolsters local manufacturing but also strengthens India’s role as a key player in the global smartphone supply chain.
Leslie Rajan