Apple is taking a bold step toward manufacturing independence with its latest flagship device—the iPhone 17. In a major development, Foxconn, Apple’s largest contract manufacturer, has started importing iPhone 17 components from China to India, signaling a strategic pivot in the tech giant’s global supply chain. The move suggests Apple’s serious intent to manufacture the iPhone 17 simultaneously in India and China, a milestone in its “China Plus One” strategy.
Foxconn Begins Importing iPhone 17 Parts into India
Customs data recently revealed that various components for the iPhone 17—including the display assembly, rear camera modules, cover glass, and precision mechanical housing—have begun arriving at Foxconn’s facilities in India. Although these shipments account for just 10% of Foxconn’s total imports in June (with the bulk still allocated to iPhone 14 and iPhone 16 models), experts believe this is geared toward trial production.
Sources confirm that trial production for iPhone 17 is scheduled for July, while mass production is expected to begin by August, aligning with Apple’s annual September launch window.
Apple’s Strategic Bet on India for iPhone 17
Apple’s move to co-manufacture the iPhone 17 in India from day one reflects a larger strategy—making India a global export hub. With US tariffs on Chinese-made goods still in place since the Trump era, Apple has been steadily shifting its manufacturing base to avoid rising costs. In fact, Apple’s iPhone exports from India to the US surged 219% YoY in March, underlining the shift.
According to insiders, Apple is aiming to source all iPhones for the US market from India by 2026, further solidifying India’s role in its global operations. This comes despite mounting pressure from US policymakers urging Apple to bring manufacturing back to American soil.
From Lagging Behind to Leading the Pack
The pace at which Apple is narrowing the manufacturing gap between China and India is remarkable. The iPhone 14 was assembled in India six weeks after Chinese production began. By the time the iPhone 15 launched, both countries had near-simultaneous manufacturing schedules. In 2024, India joined Apple’s elite New Product Introduction (NPI) process for the base iPhone 16 model, ending China’s long-standing monopoly.
The iPhone 17 continues on this path. However, challenges remain.
Skilled Labor Exodus Could Hamper iPhone 17 Production
A key concern is the exodus of experienced Chinese engineers from Foxconn’s India facilities. China, in an effort to maintain its tech edge, is reportedly restricting the outflow of technical talent to rival manufacturing hubs like India. This puts Apple in a tough spot because iPhone production relies on high-precision processes, where even a 1mm deviation can fail quality standards.
Chinese engineers are vital for training Indian workers, especially for tasks involving complex component moulding and assembly. Their absence could impact the ramp-up of iPhone 17 production volumes in India.
What This Means for the Global Smartphone Market
This dual-assembly strategy for iPhone 17 will boost production resilience, reduce geopolitical risk, and potentially speed up delivery timelines worldwide. For Indian consumers, it might mean faster availability and even slightly reduced prices, as locally made iPhones are subject to lower import duties.
Moreover, this move positions India as a key player in premium electronics manufacturing, a segment long dominated by China. It also sends a strong signal to global investors and tech giants that India is ready to handle high-tech manufacturing at scale.
With the iPhone 17 production split between China and India, Apple is reshaping its global manufacturing strategy. The success of this transition will hinge on workforce training, supply chain logistics, and the ability to replicate China’s operational efficiency. If Apple pulls it off, the iPhone 17 may not just be revolutionary in design—it might mark a revolution in where and how iPhones are made.