Apple is set to make a historic shift in its manufacturing strategy by producing all four new iPhone 17 models in India from the outset—a significant departure from its traditional reliance on China. This marks the first time the entire lineup—including the Pro variants—will be manufactured in India and shipped from the country right from launch.The Indian ExpressThe Economic TimesMacRumors
The India Expansion: Key Facts
- Reports from Bloomberg say Apple is expanding production across five factories in India, including two newly operational facilities: one in Hosur (Tata Group) and another near Bengaluru airport (Foxconn).The Indian ExpressThe Economic TimesMacRumors
- This move aligns with Apple’s “China-plus” strategy, designed to diversify its supply chain amid pressure from fluctuating U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions.The Indian ExpressThe Economic TimesThe VergeInvestopedia
What It Means for India
- Industry watchers see this as a turning point for India’s manufacturing ecosystem—showcasing its maturation and increasing significance in global electronics production.India TodayThe Times of India
- For example, between April and July, India exported iPhones worth about US$4.4 billion to the U.S., nearly half of what it shipped all of last year—highlighting India’s growing export capacity.India Today
- India’s role as a strategic component in Apple’s supply chain appears to be strengthening, with its “Make in India” momentum now gathering significant pace.India TodayThe Times of IndiaThe Wall Street Journal
Corporate Strategy and Context
- Reports suggest Apple began planning this pivot years ago, partly in response to U.S.-China tensions and potential tariff risks. Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has been gradually expanding Indian production to de-risk its supply chain.The Wall Street Journal
- While some components still come from China, Apple has fast-tracked capacity building in India, aiming to eventually replicate much of its Chinese supply chain domestically.The Wall Street JournalThe VergeWikipedia