India’s electronics exports significantly increased when Apple’s iPhone exports from the country exceeded ₹1 trillion. India now contributes significantly to Apple’s export and manufacturing activities, a key link to global supply.
Apple leveraging “Make in India” capabilities
In the first five months of fiscal year 2025, Apple’s iPhone exports from India reached an incredible $5 billion, a 54% increase over the previous year. Apple has increased its manufacturing capacity in India by leveraging the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
In 2020, the Indian government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) program was launched, creating millions of jobs, and it drew over $17 billion in investments from various industries, including electronics. This program provides financial incentives to support domestic manufacturing.
This growth is primarily attributed to Apple’s strategic partnerships with significant Indian manufacturing firms. One such company is Foxconn, a well-known electronics manufacturer instrumental in the Indian iPhone assembly process. The company currently runs several plants in southern India near Chennai and Bengaluru. Foxconn’s expansions are part of a broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing base outside China.
As of now, Tata Electronics’ purchase of a 60% stake in Pegatron’s iPhone manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu was significant; as a result of this acquisition, Tata is now in a strong position to take on Foxconn and other well-known businesses in the iPhone assembly market.
Growth Rate of Apple in India
Strong iPhone sales drove Apple India’s revenue to soar to ₹67,122 crore in FY-2024, a stunning 36% increase from the year before. By FY-2026, Apple is predicted to generate an astounding $11 billion in revenue.
iPhone has a solid 4.1% market share in India as of June 2024, demonstrating Apple’s expanding influence in this thriving industry. The market share peaked at 4.9% in May 2023. Android dominated 95.49% of the Indian mobile operating system market in December 2024, with iOS accounting for 4.25%.
In FY-2024, Apple produced approximately ₹1.80 lakh crore (roughly $22 billion) worth of iPhones in India. Of this, 75%, or $16.5 billion, or ₹1.35 lakh crore, were exported to markets in the Middle East, the US, and Europe.
By 2026, India is expected to surpass China and the US as Apple’s third-largest market, with local sales expected to rise by as much as 20% in the coming year.
Expansion of Apple’s Product manufacturing in India
By expanding its manufacturing base in India, Apple hopes to produce more products, such as iPads and MacBooks.
Apple’s success in India highlights the country’s growing importance in Apple’s global operations by combining localized market strategies, government collaboration, and strategic manufacturing investments.
The dominance of low—and mid-range smartphones in the Indian market limits Apple’s market share. Apple’s manufacturing operations have created thousands of jobs directly and indirectly through its partners and suppliers. Apple has made India a significant export hub, with a substantial portion of its locally made iPhones going to foreign markets.
