By Kavita Mistry 
Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn has officially begun small-scale production of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 at its Bengaluru facility, marking a major step in India’s growing role in global smartphone manufacturing. This comes in addition to the company’s Chennai unit, where iPhone 17 production is already underway, according to a PTI report.
Foxconn’s Investment in India
Foxconn, Apple’s largest iPhone assembler, has invested nearly ₹25,000 crore to establish the Bengaluru plant, which is the company’s second-largest manufacturing unit outside China. The unit faced initial disruptions when Chinese engineers returned home, but the company has since filled the gap by bringing in experts from Taiwan and other regions.
Apple’s Push to Scale Production
Apple has set ambitious targets to increase iPhone production to 60 million units in 2025, up from 35–40 million in 2024–25. The Bengaluru facility is expected to play a crucial role in meeting this demand. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook had earlier confirmed that a majority of iPhones sold in the United States in June 2025 were assembled in India.
Rising Share of India in Apple’s Supply Chain
Data suggests Apple assembled 60% more iPhones in India in FY 2024–25, with production valued at nearly $22 billion. Exports in March alone touched 3.1 million units. At the same time, domestic sales of Apple devices rose 21.5% year-on-year to 5.9 million units in the first half of 2025, led by the iPhone 16.
Competitive Smartphone Market
Despite Apple’s growth, India’s smartphone market remains highly competitive. IDC data for the April–June 2025 quarter showed Vivo leading with a 19% market share. However, Apple’s increasing reliance on India for assembly and exports positions the country as a critical hub for its global supply chain.
What Lies Ahead
With Foxconn’s Bengaluru unit operational, India is expected to strengthen its position as a strategic partner in Apple’s global operations. Analysts note that doubling shipments will require either fresh capacity expansion or redirection of units for the U.S. market. The Bengaluru factory’s role could prove pivotal in achieving these production milestones.