In a significant development for India’s growing role in global electronics manufacturing, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced that Apple Inc. is on track to shift the entirety of its mobile phone production and sourcing operations to India in the coming years.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Minister Scindia highlighted Apple’s ongoing investments and strategic partnerships with domestic manufacturers. “Apple has taken a clear and strong direction to not just assemble but source and manufacture all of its iPhones in India in the foreseeable future,” Scindia said, adding that the shift reflects the confidence of global technology giants in India's manufacturing ecosystem.
Rapid Expansion of Apple's Footprint
Over the past three years, Apple has steadily increased its manufacturing operations in India, partnering with suppliers like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron. These companies, operating under the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, have expanded facilities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with new plants under construction in Telangana and Maharashtra.
According to government estimates, Apple exported over $12 billion worth of iPhones from India in FY2024–25, more than doubling its export value from the previous year. The company now manufactures about 25% of its global iPhone output in India — a figure expected to rise to 100% by 2028, if the current trajectory holds.
Strategic Realignment Amid Global Shifts
Apple’s decision to scale down its dependence on China — long the backbone of its supply chain — is influenced by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and a push for diversification. Minister Scindia framed Apple’s India pivot as a “transformational moment” for Indian manufacturing, citing growing global trust in the country's capacity, talent, and policy support.
“The world sees India not just as a large market, but as a trusted production hub. Apple’s decision reinforces our ambition to become a global electronics powerhouse,” the minister said.
Boost to Employment and Local Industry
Industry analysts view Apple’s expanded presence as a major win for the Indian economy. The ramp-up is expected to generate tens of thousands of direct jobs and create a broader multiplier effect across component suppliers, logistics, and ancillary services.
Several Indian firms have already been inducted into Apple's supply chain, including Tata Electronics, which recently acquired Wistron’s operations in Karnataka, marking the first time an Indian firm will be directly assembling iPhones.
Government Support and Future Outlook
The Indian government has played an instrumental role in enabling this transition through financial incentives, streamlined regulations, and infrastructure development. Minister Scindia assured that policy support would continue, with a focus on enhancing semiconductor fabrication, skill development, and component-level manufacturing.
“India is not just a place to make phones — it’s becoming a hub for innovation, design, and high-tech manufacturing,” he said.
With Apple’s shift serving as a beacon for other tech multinationals, India’s stature in the global electronics value chain appears poised for a long-term rise.