Apple to Manufacture Entire iPhone 17 Lineup in India
In a major boost for India's manufacturing sector, Apple will reportedly produce its entire iPhone 17 lineup, including high-end Pro models, in the country. This marks the first time the company will manufacture a full new series in India, signalling a significant strategic shift to diversify its supply chain away from China. The expansion involves partners like the Tata Group, and is expected to dramatically increase India's electronics exports and solidify its role as a key global production hub for Apple.
Unpacked:
Apple is diversifying its supply chain to reduce geopolitical risks, such as U.S.–China tensions and pandemic disruptions in China. India offers a better labor cost structure, government incentives, and growing manufacturing capabilities, making it attractive for large-scale production.
Since 2017, India mainly assembled older or standard iPhone models, gradually expanding to newer models. By 2023, India was assembling iPhone 15s at launch, indicating its growing strategic importance for Apple.
Apple partners in India include Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Group. Foxconn produces the majority of iPhones, Pegatron assembles certain models, and Tata Group is expanding its role, especially with the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.
Manufacturing entire iPhone lineups in India is expected to dramatically increase electronics exports, boost local jobs, and solidify India as a key global production hub. Apple’s suppliers manufactured iPhones worth $14–22 billion in India in recent years.