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Apple looking to India, not China, to produce iPhones and more: Report

Apple starts making iPhone 17 in India


Apple’s next iPhone is already being made in India, months before its official launch. Foxconn, the Taiwanese contract manufacturer that produces most of Apple’s iPhones, has begun assembling the iPhone 17 at its new Bengaluru plant, people aware of the matter told PTI. The move shows how Apple is steadily shifting more of its production out of China and giving India a bigger role in its global supply chain.

The Bengaluru facility, located in Devanahalli, is Foxconn’s second-biggest unit outside China and has been built with an investment of about USD 2.8 billion (nearly Rs 25,000 crore). Production has reportedly started on a small scale, with engineers and specialists from Taiwan and other countries working on setting up processes. Alongside this new unit, Foxconn’s Chennai plant is also manufacturing the iPhone 17, ensuring that Apple has more than one source of supply from India.

Apple’s production in the country has grown sharply over the last two years. For the financial year ending March 31, 2025, the company assembled iPhones worth an estimated USD 22 billion, about 60 per cent higher than the previous year. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recently confirmed that the bulk of iPhones sold in the US in the June 2025 quarter were shipped from India. This shows the growing importance of India not only as a consumer market but also as a key export base.

The report suggests that Apple wants to scale up even further, with total iPhone production projected at around 60 million units this year. That’s a big jump from the estimated 35–40 million units made in the previous financial year. Export numbers are also on the rise, with shipments from India expected to double to meet demand in the US and other regions.

At the same time, Apple’s sales in India are showing healthy growth. Shipments of iPhones in the country rose by more than 21 per cent in the first half of 2025, reaching 5.9 million units. In the June quarter alone, Apple increased its supplies by nearly 20 per cent compared to last year. The iPhone 16 was the company’s best-selling model during this period. Despite progress, Apple still trails behind brands like Vivo, which led the Indian smartphone market in the June quarter with a 19 per cent share. Apple, in comparison, held a 7.5 per cent share.

All of this sets the stage for the iPhone 17 launch next month. If timelines go as expected, Apple will confirm the date of its September event on August 26. The official launch is expected on September 9, with pre-orders opening from September 12. Customers in India and other markets may get their hands on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max from September 19. A stable version of iOS 26 is also likely to roll out on September 16 for older iPhone models.

As in previous years, the September event is not just about iPhones. Apple is also likely to showcase the Apple Watch Series 11, the Watch Ultra 3, new AirPods Pro, a refreshed Apple TV 4K and possibly the third-generation HomePod. A separate event in October is expected to focus on Macs and iPads powered by the new M5 chip.

In terms of pricing, the regular iPhone 17 is expected to continue with a familiar starting price of around Rs 79,999 in India. The newly introduced iPhone 17 Air may cost about Rs 89,999, while the Pro models could become more expensive due to higher production costs and possible tariffs in the US. Apple kept the iPhone 16 Pro series slightly cheaper than the iPhone 15 Pro last year, but with major upgrades said to be planned this year, the company’s pricing strategy will be closely watched.

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Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/technolog...launch-likely-on-this-date-2773398-2025-08-19
 
It is time to boycott iPhones now. I don’t want to infect myself and my family by touching Indian made products.
 
Apple reportedly ups iPhone production in India as country’s Russia ties roil White House


Apple has reportedly boosted iPhone production in India as the country faces pressure from the White House over its Russian oil purchases.

“We have planned to up the tariffs on India,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Tuesday. “These are secondary tariffs for buying the sanctioned Russian oil.”

Bessent accused India of “profiteering” by purchasing cheap Russian oil and reselling it during the Ukraine war, “which is unacceptable.”

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on India to 50%. The president said in July that he would impose secondary tariffs “at about 100%” on Russia’s trading partners if a peace deal isn’t reached with Ukraine by September.

His comments came as Bloomberg reported that technology giant Apple has reportedly upped production at five of its factories in India as it readies for the launch of its new iPhone 17 models.

The expansion includes some new plants and factories belonging to the Tata Group and contract electronics manufacturer Foxconn Technology, according to the report, citing people familiar with the matter. Apple is also looking to create a new iPhone 17e in India next year, according to the report.

In recent years, Apple has shifted more production to India as it looks to reduce its reliance on China, especially in the wake of recent trade tensions.

Data from Canalys in May estimated that iPhone shipments from India to the U.S. grew 76% in May as trade restrictions loomed.

At the same time, Apple has committed to investing over $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years to improve American manufacturing production.

That includes a $100 billion spending expansion this month, which included a $2.5 billion investment to expand iPhone glass maker Corning’s production.

This commitment to building in the U.S. should put Apple in the clear on India-related tariffs.

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Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/19/apple-india-iphone-russia-trump.html
 
Apple Defies Trump Pressure, Doubles Down On India iPhone Expansion With $2.5 Billion Push


Apple Inc. has reaffirmed its commitment to India, resisting pressure from US President Donald Trump to curb exports from the country. The tech giant is investing nearly $2.5 billion to scale up iPhone production from 40 million to 60 million units annually, while simultaneously expanding its retail footprint with new stores in Bengaluru and Pune this September.

According to a senior government official quoted by The Times of India, “Company executives have told us that there will be no change in plans when it comes to India investments. The expansion plans will continue as previously envisaged.”

President Trump had earlier expressed discontent over Apple’s growing India operations. During a visit to Doha in May, he remarked: “I had a little problem with Tim Cook... I said to him, my friend, I am treating you very good... but now I hear you are building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.”

However, Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken a firm stand. In a post-results call on 31 July, Cook stated that the “majority” of iPhones sold in the US in the last quarter were manufactured in India. He highlighted India as both a crucial export hub and a rapidly growing domestic market, adding that Apple saw “record revenues” from India last year.

Apple’s Indian growth is anchored by strong local partnerships. Foxconn continues to lead assembly operations, while the Tata Group has expanded capacity by acquiring Wistron’s factories and taking control of Pegatron’s India business. Government officials told TOI that Apple considers India’s “factory setups and infrastructure among the best in the world.”

Last year alone, Apple exported iPhones worth $17 billion from India, while capturing a double-digit share of the local premium smartphone market
.

Apple opened its first two Indian flagship outlets in Mumbai and Delhi in April 2023, generating an estimated Rs 800 crore in their first year. The new Bengaluru and Pune stores, themed on peacock-feather artwork, will bring the total count to four, with two more planned in Mumbai and Noida by end-2025.

The Pune outlet will host Today at Apple sessions on music, coding, photography and design, while providing technical and creative support to customers.

By assembling the iPhone 17 in India and continuing to grow its domestic retail presence, Apple is positioning India as both a production powerhouse and a strategic consumer market. Despite Trump’s concerns, officials say there is no sign of Apple slowing its push.

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Link: https://www.timesnownews.com/busine...nsion-with-2-5-billion-push-article-152526404
 
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