In a strategic production move, Apple is now reportedly set to manufacture all four models of its upcoming iPhone 17 series in India. This marks it as the first time that even the Pro variants will be assembled outside China from day one.
The information comes from a Bloomberg report, which also reveals that this expansion choice of Apple spans five Indian facilities. This includes two recently commissioned factories operated by the Tata Group in Tamil Nadu and Foxconn near Bengaluru airport. It makes sense, especially since India is increasingly becoming a central market in Apple's global supply chain.
Tata's facilities are expected to play an important role, particularly, potentially accounting for nearly half of India's iPhone production within two years.
The financial impact is already evident, with India exporting $7.5 billion worth of iPhones just between April and July 2025. That's almost half of the total $17 billion shipped during the previous full fiscal year. Besides, as per the latest Counterpoint Research report, Apple holds 23% of market share in India, along with Samsung, to lead the smartphone market.
This production boost comes as U.S.-China trade tensions continue. While iPhones aren't heavily hit by tariffs, Apple is shifting to India to ensure a steady supply of the iPhone 17 series and beyond for key markets like the U.S.
According to industry analysts, this decision signals a long-term realignment of Apple's manufacturing ecosystem. Besides, it also falls in line with the tech giant's earlier plans of transitioning most U.S.-bound iPhones to India by 2026.
