Apple To Manufacture All US-Bound iPhone 17 Models In India: Report

Apple is expanding iPhone production in India across five factories, including two newly opened ones, as part of its effort to reduce reliance on China for US-bound devices. The company will produce all four models of the upcoming iPhone 17, including the premium Pro versions, in India before their official launch next month, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Newly opened factories, including Tata Group’s plant in Hosur and Foxconn’s unit near Bengaluru airport, will join existing production sites to roll out the iPhone 17 ahead of its launch. This marks the first time Apple will manufacture and ship all variants of a new iPhone from India right from the start.

The shift is part of Apple’s strategy to reduce reliance on China amid global trade uncertainties and shifting US policies. Under President Donald Trump's administration, the US imposed a wave of tariffs on imports from various countries, including India. Most recently, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Apple’s iPhones, however, continue to benefit from tariff exemptions.

Tata Group is emerging as a key player in Apple’s India strategy. It is currently the only Indian company assembling iPhones, after acquiring Wistron’s facility in Karnataka in 2023 and taking control of Pegatron’s plant near Chennai. Tata-owned factories are expected to contribute nearly half of India’s iPhone production within two years, according to the report.

Apple’s production shift to India is yielding significant gains, with iPhone exports reaching $7.5 billion in the four months starting in April. This accounts for nearly half of the $17 billion worth of exports recorded during the entire previous fiscal year. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently announced a $100 billion investment in US manufacturing, while India continues to play a growing role in Apple’s global production plans.