Apple is reportedly making more of its new iPhones in India instead of China
Apple is reportedly making more of its new iPhones in India instead of China, marking a major shift in its global supply chain. For the first time, all four iPhone 17 models will roll out of factories in India at launch, according to Bloomberg. This move signals Apple’s growing strategy to diversify production away from China.
iPhone 17 lineup to be made in India
The new iPhone 17 family—including the base, Pro, Pro Max, and rumored successor to the iPhone 16E—will all be manufactured in India. Until now, India was mainly responsible for assembling older models, while China handled the latest devices. This year’s change means India will play a central role from day one.
Why Apple is shifting production
Apple has steadily expanded iPhone manufacturing in India over the past few years to reduce its dependence on China. Rising geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and tariffs have pushed the company to rethink its strategy. By moving more production to India, Apple benefits from tariff exemptions on exports to the US—despite existing 50% tariffs on other Indian imports under the Trump administration.
Industry analyst Patrick Moorhead noted that while final assembly happens in India, many iPhone subassemblies are still produced in China. This highlights how Apple’s supply chain remains interconnected, even as it diversifies.
Apple’s wider manufacturing strategy
Earlier this month, Apple also announced a $100 billion investment in US manufacturing, building on the $500 billion already pledged this year. Former President Donald Trump has claimed that companies committing to US production may be exempt from future tariffs on imported chips, further influencing Apple’s long-term supply chain decisions.
What this means for Apple and consumers
For consumers, the shift may not drastically change pricing in the short term, but it could improve supply stability during launch cycles. For Apple, manufacturing more iPhones in India instead of China strengthens its resilience against trade disruptions and helps build a broader global manufacturing base.
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