Apple’s iPhone exports from India to the US surged 76% in April 2025, surpassing China’s shipments for the first time. Discover how Apple is shifting its production strategy amid trade tensions and growing demand.

Introduction: A Major Shift in Apple’s Global Supply Chain

Apple Inc. is rapidly increasing iPhone production in India, signaling a major shift in its global supply chain. In the first four months of 2025, Apple shipped 11.5 million iPhones from India to the United States, while exports from China declined sharply. This marks a pivotal change in Apple’s manufacturing and export strategy.

India Overtakes China in iPhone Exports to the US

Record iPhone Shipments from India

In April 2025 alone, iPhone shipments from India to the US soared by 76% year-over-year, reaching over 3.3 million units, according to research firm Omdia. During the same period, China’s iPhone exports fell by 76%, dropping to 900,000 units.

January–April Export Comparison

Between January and April 2025:

• India exported 11.5 million iPhones to the US

• China exported 13.2 million iPhones

While China still leads year-to-date, India is quickly catching up and even surpassed China in April’s monthly figures.

Apple’s Investment in India Paying Off

COVID-19 Sparked the Shift

Apple began investing in India’s manufacturing infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts are now showing results, with a strong supply chain supporting high-volume exports.

Tariffs Accelerating the Transition

The shift may have been influenced by US trade policies. Former President Donald Trump had proposed “reciprocal tariffs” of 25% on non-US iPhone imports. Though iPhones were later excluded from this tariff on April 11, Apple had already accelerated shipments in March, with 4.4 million units exported from India—possibly as a precautionary measure.

iPhones Made in India: A New Era Begins

Tim Cook Confirms India’s Central Role

In early May, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that most iPhones sold in the US will be made in India going forward. This move not only reduces Apple’s dependence on China but also helps avoid the steep 30% tariff on Chinese-made iPhones, compared to 10% from India.

iPhone 16 Pro: India Joins the Premium League

India has started manufacturing and exporting high-end models like the iPhone 16 Pro, a milestone in its capability to handle complex production tasks. However, experts caution that India’s full production ramp-up may not meet total US demand until at least 2026.

Challenges and Geopolitical Tensions

China Pushes Back

Reports suggest that China is restricting India’s access to advanced manufacturing equipment and skilled labor, possibly to slow its progress in iPhone production.

US Pressure to Bring Manufacturing Home

Trump has voiced that all iPhones should be made in the US, not in India or elsewhere, and hinted at a 25% import tariff on all iPhones made abroad. However, analysts believe this is unlikely to materialize at scale.

Future Outlook: Apple’s India Strategy is Here to Stay

Despite challenges from both China and the US, experts like Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities believe that India will remain Apple’s long-term manufacturing hub. He notes that producing iPhones in the US is unrealistic, and Apple will likely continue to deepen its presence in India.

Conclusion: India Emerges as Apple’s iPhone Production Powerhouse

Apple’s strategic shift from China to India reflects its long-term vision to diversify its manufacturing base. As geopolitical tensions persist and demand in the US grows, India is well-positioned to become Apple’s most important iPhone production hub.