Apple is ramping up iPhone manufacturing in India through Tata Electronics and Foxconn as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on China amid US trade tariffs. Discover how this shift impacts global production.

Apple Shifts iPhone Manufacturing to India

Apple has officially begun iPhone production at a new Tata Electronics plant in Tamil Nadu, while a second facility operated by Foxconn in Bengaluru is gearing up to start shipments as early as next month, according to a Reuters report.

This move marks a crucial step in Apple’s global supply chain diversification strategy, driven by escalating US-China trade tensions. With looming U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports — some reportedly exceeding 100% — Apple is accelerating efforts to minimize reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

India Becomes a Key Player in Apple‘s Global Strategy

The current uncertainty surrounding tariffs has made India an essential part of Apple’s global manufacturing puzzle. While Apple has largely escaped the harshest electronics-related tariffs so far, the threat of future increases has pushed the tech giant to act swiftly.

At the Tata facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, production of older iPhone models has already begun on a single manufacturing line. Meanwhile, Foxconn’s upcoming $2.6 billion factory in Karnataka’s capital, Bengaluru, is expected to begin trial production of the iPhone 16 series soon.

Large-Scale Production and Job Creation by 2027

By the end of 2027, Foxconn’s new factory is projected to:

• Create around 50,000 jobs

• Manufacture 300 to 500 iPhones per hour at full capacity

This expansion signals not only Apple’s confidence in India but also the country’s growing importance in global electronics manufacturing.

Apple‘s Long-Term Vision: Reduce Dependence on China

This isn’t just a short-term reaction to trade issues. Apple’s shift to India is part of a broader strategic move. According to Counterpoint Research, India currently produces approximately 18% of the world’s iPhones, while China still accounts for over 75%. However, Apple aims to significantly boost India’s share in the coming years.

By the end of 2026, Apple plans to shift the majority of iPhone production for the U.S. market to Indian factories.

Record-Breaking iPhone Exports from India

The results of this shift are already visible. In March 2025, Apple exported a record 600 tons of iPhones from India to the U.S., totaling a staggering $2 billion in value. Foxconn was responsible for more than half of this volume.

Tata and Foxconn: A Powerful Alliance for Apple in India

Although Tata is relatively new to Apple’s supply chain, it has rapidly become a crucial partner. With the addition of these new facilities, Apple now operates five major manufacturing units in India, run in collaboration with Tata and Foxconn.

Final Thoughts

Apple‘s aggressive expansion in India is a clear signal that the tech giant is preparing for a future less reliant on China. With significant investments, job creation, and rising export numbers, India is quickly becoming Apple’s next big manufacturing hub.