The iPhone 17 series is nearing its initial production runs and India is getting ready to make them by truckloads.
In a significant move signaling Apple’s deepening commitment to local manufacturing, Foxconn has commenced trial production of the iPhone 17 in India. This development, reported by The Economic Times, marks a pivotal step in Apple’s strategy to expand India’s role within its global supply chain and reduce its reliance on China.
Foxconn has begun importing crucial components, including display assemblies and rear camera modules, into India to facilitate these trial runs. With the iPhone 17 series expected to launch in September, full-scale production is slated to begin as early as August. This strategic shift aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to diversify its manufacturing base, increasingly viewing India as a key production and export hub.
Apple already manufactures the iPhone 16 in India while also continuing production of the older iPhone 15 and iPhone 14.
This trend is set to continue with the iPhone 17, where India will also undertake the manufacturing of the Pro variants, gradually eroding China’s monopoly on early production stages. Complementing Foxconn’s efforts, Tata Electronics is also playing a vital role by producing casings for the iPhone 17, contributing to a substantial surge in iPhone exports from India, which saw a 219% year-on-year increase to the United States in March.
Despite these advancements, Foxconn’s operations in India are navigating challenges, particularly a shortage of skilled personnel following the departure of many Chinese engineers. Apple is reportedly addressing this by deploying engineers from other countries to ensure production targets for the iPhone 17 are met without disruption.
