Apple has taken another big step toward reducing its reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Two new iPhone factories—years in the making—have opened in India. One is run by Tata in Tamil Nadu, and the other by Foxconn in Karnataka. Together, these plants mark a major shift in Apple’s global supply chain strategy.
Tata’s factory in Hosur recently began producing older iPhone models. This follows its 2024 acquisition of Pegatron’s facility after a fire forced the plant to close. Meanwhile, Foxconn’s $2.6 billion facility in Bengaluru is just days away from becoming fully operational. It will initially produce iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e models.
Shifting from China to India
This expansion is not a quick response to recent U.S.-China tariff issues. Apple has been working for years to reduce production risks tied to China. Disruptions during COVID-19 and government-imposed power cuts in China delayed iPhone production in past years. Now, India is emerging as a key player in Apple’s future.
When Foxconn’s new plant reaches full capacity by 2027, it is expected to generate over 50,000 jobs. Tata, on the other hand, has quickly grown from making accessories to becoming Apple’s only Indian-owned iPhone assembler.
Strategic Moves with Long-Term Impact
Despite claims from U.S. leaders that tariffs are driving Apple’s decisions, the shift to India began long before trade tensions peaked. Apple has invested heavily to support suppliers making the move, encouraging companies like Tata and Foxconn to scale up operations outside China.
With India now producing one in five iPhones globally, the country’s role in Apple’s ecosystem is more important than ever. These two new plants are just the latest signs of that long-term commitment.
