Apple Hits 25% iPhone Production in India as Exports Top $50 Billion

Quick Facts

• Apple assembled 55 million iPhones in India in 2025, up 53% from 36 million in 2024
• India now accounts for 25% of Apple’s global iPhone production, up from previous years
• iPhone exports from India surpassed $50 billion in December 2025, driven by five assembly plants

Apple reached a manufacturing milestone in India, producing one in four iPhones in the country as the tech giant accelerates its shift away from China-dependent supply chains.

The company assembled about 55 million iPhones in India in 2025, up 53% from 36 million the previous year. With Apple’s total global iPhone output estimated between 220 million and 230 million units, India now contributes roughly 25% of overall production.

Apple exported more than $50 billion worth of iPhones from India in December 2025, according to Indian government data. In the first nine months of Financial Year 2026 alone, the company exported nearly $16 billion.

The production surge reflects Apple’s broader China-plus-one strategy amid ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the milestone represents “a major achievement for PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.”

Apple operates five iPhone assembly plants in India through partners Tata Group and Foxconn. The facilities produce all iPhone 17 models, including the high-end Pro and Pro Max variants. About 45 supplier companies support the manufacturing ecosystem.

The expansion generated significant employment. Tata and Foxconn created about 140,000 direct jobs, exceeding their initial commitment of 118,290 positions under India’s Production-Linked Incentive scheme. Apple’s broader ecosystem generated over 350,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Apple aims to shift most U.S.-bound iPhone production to India by end of 2026. The company sells more than 60 million iPhones annually in America, making this a substantial manufacturing reallocation.

Production costs in India run 5% to 8% higher than China, with some estimates reaching 10%. Apple absorbs these costs for enhanced supply chain flexibility and reduced geopolitical exposure.

India’s smartphone market presents growth opportunities beyond manufacturing. Apple held 12% market share in India during Q4 2025, with iPhone 16 becoming the country’s best-selling smartphone.

Industry projections show India’s iPhone production share could reach 26% to 30% by 2027. The shift positions India as central to Apple’s manufacturing future rather than a secondary production hub.

Read more: Apple now makes one in four iPhones in India: report