USA
Apple Plans to Make All US iPhones in India by 2026:Reports. Tech giant Apple is reportedly shifting its iPhone production for the US market entirely to India by 2026, marking a major step in its strategy to reduce reliance on China amid rising geopolitical tensions and new US tariff policies.
Apple’s Strategic Move Away from China
According to a Financial Times report, Apple is accelerating its plans to move iPhone assembly for the US market to India, with the goal of completing the transition by next year. This decision follows the US government’s imposition of stricter tariffs on Chinese imports under former President Donald Trump, prompting Apple to diversify its supply chain.
Over the past few years, Apple has been steadily expanding its manufacturing footprint in India, partnering with key suppliers like Foxconn and Tata Electronics. In March 2024, Foxconn shipped iPhones worth $1.31 billion from India—its highest-ever monthly export—matching the combined shipments from January and February. Meanwhile, Tata Electronics recorded shipments worth $612 million in the same month.
Avoiding Tariffs and Expanding Production
The report highlights that Apple began redirecting more India-made iPhones to the US immediately after the announcement of new tariffs on Chinese goods. By manufacturing in India, Apple can bypass the higher import duties imposed on China-sourced products.
Currently, Apple produces over 60 million iPhones annually for the US market. The company now aims to double its Indian production capacity by 2026, signaling a long-term commitment to establishing India as its next global manufacturing hub.
India’s Growing Role in Apple’s Supply Chain
India has emerged as a critical player in Apple’s supply chain, offering competitive labor costs, government incentives, and a stable manufacturing environment. The shift not only strengthens India’s position as an electronics manufacturing powerhouse but also aligns with global companies’ efforts to de-risk from China amid trade uncertainties.
As Apple prepares for this major transition, industry experts predict that India could soon rival China as the primary production base for iPhones, reshaping the global tech manufacturing landscape.
