Apple is expanding iPhone production in India ahead of the iPhone 17 launch, marking the first time the company will assemble its entire flagship lineup for export to the United States from Indian factories. This includes both standard and Pro models, signaling India’s rise as a central hub in Apple’s global supply chain.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is using five factories in India to build the iPhone 17 series, including two that have recently gone online. The report highlights that for the first time, models bound for the U.S. market will be produced outside of China from day one, underscoring how far India’s role in Apple’s supply chain has advanced in just a few years.
India’s role in Apple’s supply chain has expanded quickly. Recent data shows that iPhone exports from India totaled $7.5 billion between April and July, nearly half of what was exported in the entire previous fiscal year. This acceleration demonstrates both rising local production capacity and Apple’s confidence in Indian partners.
Tata Group has become a particularly important partner in this effort. Alongside Foxconn, Tata’s plants are expected to account for a significant share of U.S.-bound iPhone shipments. Industry analysts project that Tata alone could handle up to half of India’s iPhone production within the next two years.
The broader impact extends beyond Apple. India has now overtaken China as the leading supplier of smartphones to the U.S. market, with Indian-assembled devices making up nearly 44 percent of U.S. imports in the second quarter of 2025. This marks a dramatic increase from just 13 percent a year earlier, while China’s share fell to 25 percent.
For Apple, this strategy aligns with its long-standing “China Plus One” approach, which reduces exposure to trade risks while building new manufacturing bases. It also signals growing trust in India’s ability to deliver high-quality output at scale, something that was once thought to be exclusive to Chinese partners.
By the time the iPhone 17 lineup reaches consumers this September, many U.S. buyers will be receiving models shipped directly from Indian factories. This milestone cements India’s role as more than just a supplementary base, but a core part of Apple’s long-term supply chain strategy.
