iPhone 17 Series: Apple is poised to enact a significant transformation within its global supply chain, intending to produce all four iterations of the forthcoming iPhone 17 in India. This unprecedented initiative signifies the company’s inaugural endeavor to launch its entire flagship series from Indian soil simultaneously, as reported by Bloomberg.
Expanded Production Footprint
This production endeavor encompasses five facilities, incorporating newly established plants. Tata Group’s facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, alongside Foxconn’s factory adjacent to Bengaluru’s airport, is augmenting Apple’s already entrenched production infrastructure. Both sites have recently commenced operations and will now play a vital role in the assembly of the iPhone 17.
Tata’s Growing Role in Apple’s Supply Chain
This strategic pivot amplifies the Tata Group’s significance as an indispensable collaborator for Apple. Tata stands as the sole Indian entity engaged in the domestic assembly of iPhones, while Taiwan-based Foxconn has historically served as Apple’s principal contractor in India.
In the year 2023, Tata successfully acquired Wistron’s iPhone manufacturing plant situated in Karnataka and has also gained majority control over Pegatron’s facility near Chennai. With multiple operational sites, Tata is projected to represent nearly half of India’s iPhone production within the upcoming two years.
Exports on the Rise
India’s role in the global smartphone export landscape is burgeoning at an accelerated pace. Recent reports indicate that India’s contribution to U.S. smartphone imports surged to nearly 36% in the initial five months of 2025, a significant leap from a mere 11% during the corresponding period in 2024. Conversely, China’s stake in the U.S. market has dramatically shrunk from 82% to 49%.
Navigating Tariffs and Geopolitics
This strategic shift also embodies Apple’s long-term goal of mitigating dependence on China amidst pervasive trade uncertainties. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep reciprocal tariffs on India and other nations, electronics, including smartphones, have thus far evaded such charges.
Trump had hinted at a 25% tariff on iPhones manufactured in India, yet exemptions have, for the time being, shielded Apple.
Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently affirmed a monumental $100 billion investment in the United States, aimed at reinforcing the company’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
By amplifying its production base in India, Apple appears to be navigating political risks while simultaneously enhancing supply chain resilience, reaffirming its long-term vision of India as a pivotal manufacturing hub and burgeoning consumer market.
Source link: Thedailyjagran.com.
