Apple’s iPhone production in India hits ₹1.89 lakh crore in FY25, with ₹1.5 lakh crore in exports. The growth is driven by the US-China tariff war and India’s PLI scheme.
Apple’s iPhone Production in India Jumps 60% to ₹1.89 Lakh Crore in FY25, Exports Surge
India Emerges as a Global iPhone Hub Amid US-China Trade Tensions and PLI Boost
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In a remarkable milestone for India’s electronics manufacturing sector, Apple has reported a 60% surge in iPhone production from its Indian supply chains, reaching ₹1.89 lakh crore for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. This includes ₹1.5 lakh crore worth of iPhones exported, underscoring India’s rising status as a global smartphone manufacturing powerhouse.
iPhone Exports Fuel Record-Breaking Growth in Indian Smartphone Industry
According to data from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Apple’s expanding production footprint in India played a dominant role in driving India’s total smartphone exports to ₹1.75 lakh crore in the first 11 months of FY25. This marks a 54% increase over FY24, as reported by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA).
“India has become Apple’s new growth engine for production, and the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has played a vital role in making this shift possible,” said an ICEA spokesperson.
Foxconn Leads Apple’s India Output With 70% Share
The majority of Apple’s India-based manufacturing is anchored by Foxconn’s facility in Tamil Nadu, which contributed approximately 70% of total iPhone exports. This facility alone witnessed a 40% year-on-year jump in export volumes.
Other key players include:
- Tata Electronics: 2% share of iPhone exports, operating the former Wistron factory in Karnataka.
- Pegatron: Contributed 12% of Apple’s exports, also based in Tamil Nadu.
- In January 2025, Tata Group acquired a 60% stake in Pegatron, further cementing its growing role in Apple’s India supply chain.
With these acquisitions, Tata has emerged as a major player in Apple’s global manufacturing ecosystem, increasing India’s strategic relevance.
US-China Tariff War Accelerates Apple’s India Shift
Apple’s ramp-up in India also stems from the ongoing US-China tariff conflict, which has disrupted traditional supply lines. With higher tariffs on Chinese-made electronics, Apple has strategically shifted production to India, where duties are significantly lower. This move not only cushions the company from tariff impacts but also aligns with Apple’s long-term plan to diversify its global supply chain.
PLI Scheme Drives Investment, Employment, and Export Growth
India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for electronics manufacturing has proven to be a game-changer. The scheme has attracted cumulative investments of ₹10,213 crore as of December 2024, according to government data.
Key outcomes of the PLI scheme:
- Creation of 1.37 lakh direct jobs
- Meeting 99% of India’s domestic Apple product demand through local production
- Rapid growth in electronics exports, led by smartphones
“The success of the PLI scheme reflects India’s potential to be a global hub for high-end electronics manufacturing,” said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT.
South Korea’s Samsung Also Plays a Minor Role
While Apple dominates India’s smartphone export figures, South Korean tech giant Samsung accounted for around 2% of total smartphone exports during FY25, maintaining its presence albeit on a smaller scale compared to Apple’s massive expansion.
India’s iPhone Boom Sets Global Benchmark
With ₹1.89 lakh crore in iPhone production and ₹1.5 lakh crore in exports, Apple’s performance in India has set a new benchmark for global electronics manufacturing. The shift not only boosts India’s economy but also positions it as a reliable alternative to China amid geopolitical tensions.
As Apple continues to deepen its investments and supply chain integration in India, industry experts anticipate that India could produce up to 25% of all iPhones globally by 2026.
India’s Tech Manufacturing Era Has Truly Begun
Apple’s record-breaking performance in India marks a defining moment in the country’s tech manufacturing journey. As the global dynamics of trade and supply chains evolve, India is poised to take center stage as a trusted and competitive manufacturing hub for the world’s biggest tech brands. With government support, corporate investments, and rising local capability, the iPhone story in India is just getting started.
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