Apple is set to begin exporting its first batch of iPhones to the U.S. market from its manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. According to Karnataka Minister M. B. Patil, Foxconn’s plant located at Devanahalli ITIR in Bengaluru is nearly prepared to start shipping iPhones to the United States as early as June. Patil shared this update through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Foxconn’s unit at Devanahalli ITIR is nearly ready for launch
— M B Patil (@MBPatil) May 17, 2025
Foxconn’s unit at Devanahalli ITIR is nearly ready for launch, with commercial iPhone shipments expected to begin as early as June.
This isn’t just a manufacturing milestone — it marks a strategic shift. With rising… pic.twitter.com/b9ypWQGuUh
— M B Patil (@MBPatil) This move comes in the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed concerns, though it marks a significant milestone for Karnataka in the global manufacturing landscape. Patil highlighted that this progress not only enhances the state’s standing in international production but also draws increased foreign investment while protecting the interests of all stakeholders.
Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Apple CEO Tim Cook during an event in Doha, criticizing the company’s growing manufacturing presence in India. Trump remarked that he was not pleased with Apple’s expansion in India unless the production was intended solely to cater to the Indian market.
“Told Apple CEO Tim Cook we’re not interested in you building in India, they can take care of themselves,” Trump said during a business event in Doha, Qatar, on May 15, according to a Bloomberg report.
Trump also said Apple would increase its production in the United States. “Apple will be upping their production in the United States,” he added.
If Apple CEO Tim Cook chooses to relocate the company’s manufacturing from India to the United States, the greater setback would be for Apple rather than India, according to Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative. While India might see a decline in some low-income employment, a broader analysis shows that the nation currently earns around USD 30 per iPhone. However, a substantial share of that amount is returned to Apple in the form of incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Moreover, to accommodate the demands of global tech giants like Apple, India has been lowering import duties on vital smartphone components. Although this benefits multinational corporations, it poses challenges for local industries attempting to establish a strong domestic manufacturing base.
