Foxconn Begins iPhone 17 Production at Bengaluru Plant, Confirms Karnataka Minister

Highlights

• Foxconn has started manufacturing the iPhone 17 series at its new $2.8B facility in Devanahalli, Karnataka
• Apple is producing all iPhone 17 models, including Pro variants, in India as part of its China-plus strategy.
• Production is spread across five Indian factories with Tata’s Hosur plant emerging as a key partner.

Apple’s partner Foxconn has officially started production of the upcoming iPhone 17 series at its new plant in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The update was shared by Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring the city’s rising importance in Apple’s supply chain.

The facility in Devanahalli, Foxconn’s second-largest unit outside China, has been established with a massive $2.8 billion (₹25,000 crore) investment. Together with Foxconn’s existing unit in Chennai, the new Bengaluru plant is expected to play a critical role in Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem in India.

“Delighted to share that Foxconn has commenced production of the latest iPhone 17 at its new facility in Devanahalli, Bengaluru — now the largest Foxconn unit outside China. With an investment of ₹25,000 crore, this advanced plant will generate thousands of jobs, strengthen supply chains, and boost India’s export ambitions. This milestone marks Karnataka’s rise as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, with Bengaluru powering Apple’s growth in India and positioning our state as a key player in the world’s technology and manufacturing future,” Patil stated.

Initial Roadblock in iPhone 17 Production

According to a recent ToI report, the production process had faced a temporary setback earlier this year when hundreds of Chinese engineers unexpectedly returned home.

Foxconn, however, swiftly filled the expertise gap by bringing in specialists from Taiwan and other regions, ensuring that production schedules remained on track.

Apple’s China-Plus Strategy in Action

For the first time ever, Apple is preparing to manufacture all iPhone 17 models including the high-end Pro versions in India right from launch. This is seen as a pivotal move in Apple’s broader China-plus strategy, aimed at reducing dependence on Chinese production while also safeguarding against potential U.S. tariffs.

Industry insiders reveal that Apple has distributed iPhone 17 production across five Indian factories, with two of them having just begun operations. While Pro model production will initially be on a smaller scale, the overall strategy marks a major shift in Apple’s supply chain.

In addition to Foxconn’s new Bengaluru hub, the Tata Group’s new plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, has become a vital partner. Tata is rapidly emerging as one of Apple’s most crucial collaborators and is expected to handle nearly half of India’s iPhone output within the next two years.

Record-Breaking iPhone Exports from India

Apple’s India push is already paying dividends. Between April and July 2025, India exported $7.5 billion worth of iPhones, almost half of the $17 billion shipped during the entire previous fiscal year.

In the last financial year, Apple assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India, marking a 60% year-on-year growth. For 2025, the company is projected to scale up to 60 million iPhones, compared to 35–40 million units in 2024–25.

During Apple’s recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook stressed India’s growing role in the company’s global strategy. He revealed that a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. in June 2025 were manufactured in India.

FAQs

Q1. Where is Foxconn manufacturing the iPhone 17 in India?

Answer. Foxconn has begun production of the iPhone 17 series at its new $2.8 billion facility in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, now its largest unit outside China. This plant complements its existing unit in Chennai and is central to Apple’s India manufacturing strategy.

Q2. Is Apple producing the iPhone 17 Pro models in India too?

Answer. Yes, for the first time, Apple is manufacturing all iPhone 17 variants including the high-end Pro models in India from launch. This marks a major shift in Apple’s China-plus strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on Chinese production.

Q3. How significant is India’s role in Apple’s global iPhone supply?

Answer. India exported $7.5 billion worth of iPhones between April and July 2025, nearly half of the previous fiscal year’s total. Apple assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India last year and aims to scale up to 60 million units in 2025. Tim Cook confirmed that most iPhones sold in the U.S. in June 2025 were made in India.

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