Apple may move entire iPhone assembly to India by 2026: report
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Apple is reportedly considering shifting the full assembly of iPhones meant for the U.S. market to India as early as next year, signaling a significant pivot in its global manufacturing strategy.
The move, highlighted in a Financial Times report, reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to reduce its reliance on China amid persistent trade tensions.
The decision hinges on two key factors: how swiftly India can scale up its manufacturing supply chain and the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal about pressuring Apple to move operations out of China, citing the economic and strategic need to diversify production. Meanwhile, India is already seeing a rapid ramp-up in Apple's local manufacturing.
Foxconn, one of Apple’s primary contract manufacturers, is set to begin operations at its new facility in Bengaluru this month. At full capacity, the plant could produce up to 20 million iPhones annually. Tamil Nadu-based Foxconn, in particular, has emerged as a major player, contributing close to 50% of Apple’s iPhone exports from India.
India’s contribution to Apple’s global iPhone production has reached a new milestone — accounting for nearly 20% of total output. Over the past year alone, iPhones assembled in India have reached an estimated value of $22 billion, with exports from Foxconn jumping more than 40% year-over-year.
The Indian market itself is gaining prominence. In the first quarter of 2025, Apple shipped over 3 million iPhones within the country — a record for the brand in India. Analysts attribute this growth to consumer-friendly financing options like no-cost EMIs, cashback offers, and online discounts, which have made iPhones more accessible to Indian buyers.
Industry experts forecast that Apple will maintain a 10–15% annual growth rate in India throughout this year. With both local demand surging and manufacturing capacity expanding, India is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of Apple’s global operations.
