Highlights
- Apple will manufacture all iPhone 17 models including Pro and Pro Max in India.
- Production will span five facilities including new Tata and Foxconn plants, with India-made units exported to the US.
- India has reportedly overtaken China as the top smartphone supplier to the US, exporting $7.5B worth of iPhones in just four months.
It has been previously confirmed that Apple is expanding its iPhone manufacturing operations in India with the upcoming iPhone 17. Now, new reports suggest a significant leap for iPhone production in the country. According to Bloomberg, the Cupertino Giant will produce not just the regular iPhone 17 and the newly introduced iPhone 17 Air, but also the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in India.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max made in India
As part of a broader effort to reduce its heavy reliance on China, Apple is relocating the assembly of its premium Pro and Pro Max models to India. The ‘assembled in India’ iPhone 17 units will be exported to Apple’s key market in the United States. Manufacturing will take place across five facilities, including two newly established plants.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to showcase Apple’s top-tier innovations. It includes a new 48MP telephoto camera for improved zoom, the faster A19 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence features, and a lighter aluminium alloy frame.
The standard iPhone 17 is also set to receive a 120Hz display and the new A19 chipset. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air will replace the outgoing ‘Plus’ model, offering a slim 5.5mm body, a single rear camera, the A19 chip, and a 120Hz display. All iPhone 17 models will come with a new 24MP front camera.
Apple iPhone Production Plans
Apple’s expanded production effort strengthens its partnership with the Tata Group, already a key player in Apple’s domestic manufacturing plans. Tata’s new plant in Tamil Nadu, along with Foxconn’s expanded facility in Bengaluru, will be central to the rollout. Reports suggest Tata-run plants could account for up to half of India’s iPhone production within the next two years, underscoring Apple’s rapid manufacturing growth in the country.
The shift from China is largely driven by growing geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs. While tariffs on Chinese imports have posed challenges, Apple has been spared from similar issues in India. Although the Trump administration recently imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, electronic products like the iPhone remain exempt. Apple CEO Tim Cook’s commitment of $600 billion in US investments over the next four years is also viewed as crucial to keeping India-made iPhones tariff-free.
The results of this shift are already showing.
Between April and July, India exported $7.5 billion worth of iPhones, almost half of the $17 billion exported during the entire previous fiscal year. A Canalys report further highlights India’s rise, stating that the country has now overtaken China as the leading supplier of smartphones to the US.
FAQs
Q1. Will Apple manufacture the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in India?
Answer. Yes, Apple will manufacture the entire iPhone 17 lineup including the Pro and Pro Max models in India for the first time. These devices will be assembled across five facilities and exported to the United States.
Q2. Why is Apple shifting iPhone production from China to India?
Answer. Apple is relocating production to India to reduce its dependence on China amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs. India offers a more favourable environment for electronics manufacturing, and Apple has strengthened its partnership with local firms like Tata Group and Foxconn to support this shift.
Q3. What are the standout features of the iPhone 17 series?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature a 48MP telephoto camera, the new A19 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and a lighter aluminium alloy frame. The standard iPhone 17 will include a 120Hz display and the A19 chip, while the iPhone 17 Air will offer a slim 5.5mm body, a single rear camera, and a 120Hz display. All models will come equipped with a new 24MP front camera.
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