Apple has reached a significant milestone by now manufacturing 25% of its iPhones in India. This shift fulfills a prediction made by JPMorgan back in 2022 and is a core part of the company’s long-term strategy to reduce its reliance on China.
Last year, India produced approximately 55 million iPhones out of a global total of 220 million to 230 million units. Apple has moved quickly to deepen this commitment. It began manufacturing the entire iPhone 17 lineup in India ahead of its launch last September. Apple CEO Tim Cook has stated that the majority of U.S. demand for iPhones is now fulfilled by devices made in India.
This production shift accelerated in 2025 as Apple faced uncertainty in China due to ever-changing U.S. tariff rules, pushing the company to diversify its manufacturing across multiple countries. The strategic importance was underscored when President Donald Trump personally warned Tim Cook against expanding further in India during a business summit in Doha last May.
India is also growing as a vital consumer market for Apple. The company shipped 14 million units there last year, a 9% increase year-over-year. Total iPhone sales in the country surpassed $9 billion last year.
Looking ahead, Apple is reportedly in talks to launch Apple Pay in India this year. The company continues to expand its retail presence, having opened its sixth store in the country last month.