Apple Finally Transfers iPhone 17 Production to India, Weaning Off China

Muhe - Monday, 25 August 2025 | 11:55 AM (WIB)

Apple Finally Transfers iPhone 17 Production to India, Weaning Off China

Apple has made another significant breakthrough in its production plan. For the first time, all the iPhone 17 lineup from the standard model to the Pro Max model will be manufactured in India, rather than China. The decision is a landmark one for the Cupertino tech giant and is an extension of its attempt to reduce its dependence on Chinese manufacturing facilities.

New Bengaluru Factory Becomes Mainstay

iPhone 17 production is currently taking place at the new Foxconn factory in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, India. The facility, established with an investment of US$2.8 billion, is the second-largest factory of Foxconn outside of China. Not only does this massive factory cater to the Indian domestic market but also exports iPhones to other countries around the world, including the United States.

India Overtakes China in Smartphone Exports to the US

Apple's change of strategy is already playing a huge role. India-made iPhones accounted for around 44% of all smartphone shipments to the US during the second quarter of 2025. That was higher than China, which had been Apple's flagship production base for years. South Korea and Vietnam are also major contributors in supply chains but their contribution is significantly lower compared to India.Background: Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain DiversificationApple's transition was not sudden. Apple has long been trying to shift its supply base away from China due to rising tension in geopolitics, trade frictions, and the threat of additional tariffs from the US. India became a strategic choice due to its enormous smartphone market, comparatively cheap labor, and strong encouragement by the local government by offering incentives for production.

Impact on India and the World Market

Transferring iPhone production to India is a significant turning point in the world manufacturing industry. It opens up India's chance to create thousands of new employments, establish itself as the center of technology, and earn greater standing in the global supply chain.For Apple, it is a long-term strategic step to provide stability in distribution amid global political and economic turmoil.

The Future of Apple Production

Even though China remains a leading manufacturing force behind Apple components and specific lines of Apple products, this future suggests that India could be a prime manufacturing center for iPhones. According to reports, Apple is set to shift almost all iPhone production meant for the US market to India by 2026.ConclusionApple's decision to move the production of iPhone 17 to India is not a business one, but rather a significant geopolitical decision that will reshape the world technology supply chain. India is an emerging leader in high-end smartphone production, while Apple has managed to achieve a secure platform by diversifying from one country.