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Apple’s Push to Shift U.S. iPhone Production to India Faces Challenges

Efforts to diversify manufacturing continue, but complex anniversary models will remain in China through 2027.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook looks at new iPhone models following Apple's "It's Glowtime" event in Cupertino, California, September 9, 2024.
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Overview

  • Apple aims to produce all U.S.-bound iPhones in India by the end of 2026 to reduce reliance on China and avoid steep tariffs.
  • India's iPhone production share is projected to rise to 26–28% in 2025, supported by investments from Foxconn and Tata Electronics.
  • Analysts highlight India's dependence on Chinese-made components, which limits the effectiveness of the shift in avoiding tariffs.
  • Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone models, including foldable and glass-centric designs, are expected to remain in China due to their manufacturing complexity.
  • Efforts to move production to the U.S. are deemed impractical due to high costs and the intricate global supply chain involving over 700 facilities.