Apple’s H1 export volumes from India hit all-time high; US now accounts for 78% of iPhones shipped from India, up from 53% last year
India’s iPhone exports surged 53% year-on-year in the first half of calendar year 2025, reaching 23.9 million units, according to fresh data from research firm Canalys. This marks a significant rise from 15.6 million units shipped in H1 2024, positioning India as a central hub in Apple’s global manufacturing strategy. The record-high volume represents the Cupertino-based company’s fastest-ever first-half ramp-up from India, as it accelerates efforts to diversify production outside of China.
iPhone exports from India rose to 23.9 million units in H1 2025, up from 15.6 million units a year ago
Growth of 53% year-on-year makes it Apple’s fastest H1 production ramp from India
India strengthens its role in Apple’s China+1 strategy amid geopolitical and trade tensions
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US Emerges as Dominant Export Market, Marginalising Others
The United States has become the dominant destination for iPhones manufactured in India, absorbing 78% of the total shipments during H1 2025. This is a sharp rise from 53% in the same period last year. The growing demand from US consumers for Made-in-India iPhones comes as Apple intensifies its shift away from China to hedge against trade restrictions and supply chain disruptions. In contrast, exports to other markets like the Netherlands, UAE, Czech Republic, UK, and Japan have declined, with each of these now contributing between just 2% and 4% to India’s iPhone export mix.
US accounts for 78% of iPhone exports from India in H1 2025, up from 53% in H1 2024
Exports to Europe, UAE, Japan, and UK decline significantly in volume share
Apple’s export strategy increasingly concentrated toward North American markets
Foxconn and Tata Power Apple’s India Push, iPhone 17 Trials Begin
Foxconn continues to lead iPhone exports from India, accounting for over half of the total volume in H1 2025. However, Tata Group’s growing role has become increasingly significant, now contributing close to 40% of exported iPhones. This shift reflects improved yield rates, matured production lines, and Apple’s growing trust in its Indian manufacturing ecosystem.
More notably, early signs of iPhone 17 trial production have emerged, with Foxconn India initiating test runs ahead of Apple’s typical September launch cycle. Tata Electronics, which plays a key role in casing and component manufacturing, is also involved in preparing for the next-generation iPhone production.
Foxconn leads with over 50% export volume, Tata accounts for nearly 40%
Trial production of iPhone 17 reportedly begins at Foxconn India plant
Tata Electronics involved in casing and component manufacturing for iPhone 17
According to Sanyam Chaurasia, Principal Analyst at Canalys Omdia, customs data from June shows a notable uptick in imports of iPhone 17-specific components to Foxconn’s Indian facility. These include advanced camera modules and PCB units, strongly suggesting that Apple is fast-tracking its local production timeline for its flagship model.
Customs data reveals rise in iPhone 17 component imports, confirming early-stage assembly
September launch targeted, making this Apple’s earliest flagship ramp-up from India
Localisation Push Faces Short-Term Talent Challenges
Apple’s India ramp comes at a crucial juncture, as it seeks to localise operations and reduce reliance on China. However, reports of Chinese engineers exiting Foxconn’s Indian units may pose short-term execution risks, particularly during the sensitive trial production phase. The company is now accelerating the localisation of its workforce, with a greater emphasis on Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Indian engineers to fill critical skill gaps.
Despite these headwinds, analysts believe the ongoing developments are a strong signal of Apple’s long-term commitment to India as a global manufacturing hub. The rapid scaling of export volumes, early flagship production, and the strategic role of Indian suppliers like Tata Electronics underline Apple’s intent to deepen its supply chain footprint in the country.
The exit of Chinese engineers from Foxconn India may create execution hurdles
Apple is pushing localisation with Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Indian engineers
Ramp-up seen as long-term vote of confidence in India’s electronics manufacturing capabilities
