Apple has accelerated an initiative to boost iPhone production in India, as it expanded manufacturing across five plants ahead of the upcoming iPhone 17 launch.
Bloomberg reported the expansion includes manufacturing in two new plants, including one owned by Tata Group in Tamil Nadu and Foxconn’s production hub in Bangalore. While Foxconn is a long-time partner, the move marks a significant increase in the relationship between Apple and Tata.
The news publication’s sources claim plants run by the Indian conglomerate are set to account for as much as half of India’s iPhone output over the next two years.
Apple continues to boost manufacturing in India as it seeks to move iPhone production for the US market away from China, as part of a bid to reduce the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Notably, Trump has also taken a tough line on India with his tariffs, slapping a 50 per cent levy on the country, however iPhones are not yet impacted.
Apple has pledged a $600 billion investment to increase domestic manufacturing over the next four years, in a bid to appease Trump.
iPhone 17 redesign
As part of the India push, Apple is planning to produce all four of its iPhone 17 models in the country. This would mark the first time it will ship models from across the line-up from the nation at launch.
According to the news outlet, Apple will unveil a slimmer iPhone 17 model as part of a redesigned line-up, which includes a new rear-camera system with improved video recording and zoom capabilities.
The company is also apparently planning to manufacture a new lower-end iPhone 17e in India, although that is expected to launch early next year.
Research company Canalys found India was already the largest source of smartphones shipped to the US in Q2 2025, overtaking China for the first time.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Apple
