Apple has begun ramping up production of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in India ahead of their expected September launch, strengthening the country’s role in the company’s global manufacturing network. A significant portion of the devices produced in India is expected to be shipped to international markets, particularly the United States and Europe.
The production expansion comes as Apple continues to increase the scale and complexity of its manufacturing operations in India. Foxconn remains the leading manufacturing partner by volume, while Tata Electronics is taking on a larger role in assembling the Pro models.
Premium iPhones take a bigger role in Indian production
Apple’s decision to manufacture its latest Pro models in India from the beginning of the production cycle marks another step in the expansion of its local manufacturing capabilities. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to enter the market in September, with production being increased ahead of the launch period.
Reports indicate that Foxconn has already entered the mass-production phase for the iPhone 18 Pro models, with its factories preparing for higher production volumes ahead of the expected launch.
India has increasingly become an important export base for Apple. Recent industry data shows that Apple’s manufacturing partners have expanded production capacity in the country, with exports to markets including the US and Europe continuing to play a major role.
Tata Electronics expands its role with Pro models
Tata Electronics is also strengthening its position within Apple’s Indian supply chain. The company became an important iPhone manufacturing partner after acquiring Wistron’s India operations and later expanding its involvement in the country’s Apple production network.
Tata’s growing manufacturing capacity has helped it move closer to Foxconn in several areas of iPhone production. During the five-year Production-Linked Incentive period from financial year 2021-22 through FY26, iPhones assembled by Tata Electronics for export were valued at $26.3 billion, compared with $25.6 billion for Foxconn, according to data reported from vendor submissions to the government.
The expansion also reflects Tata’s broader integration into Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem. The company has increased its capabilities through acquisitions and investments, allowing it to handle a larger share of Apple’s production in India.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Max Launching Next Month With 10 Major New Features: What to Expect
India moves closer to becoming a major iPhone hub
India’s importance to Apple’s global production strategy has grown sharply in recent years. Counterpoint Research expects the country to account for around 26% of global iPhone production in 2026, highlighting the rapid expansion of local manufacturing.
The growth is supported by Apple’s manufacturing network across several facilities in India, including plants operated by Foxconn and Tata Electronics. The country has also recorded strong growth in smartphone exports as global manufacturers continue to expand their local production capabilities.
Counterpoint has previously reported that smartphone manufacturing in India increased in 2024, with Apple and Samsung together accounting for around 94% of the country’s smartphone exports. Foxconn’s Indian volumes grew 19% during the year, while Tata Electronics recorded 107% growth, driven largely by iPhone production.
Apple continues its shift toward a wider manufacturing network
Apple’s expanding Indian operations form part of a broader effort to diversify its manufacturing base. The company has been increasing production outside China while developing additional manufacturing capacity and supplier relationships in India.
The growing role of Indian factories also comes as Apple prepares for another Pro-focused iPhone launch cycle. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be the first models in the new generation to reach the market, with the standard iPhone 18 models reportedly following at a later stage.
With Foxconn maintaining its leading position and Tata Electronics rapidly expanding its contribution, India is becoming increasingly important to Apple’s global iPhone supply chain. The latest production ramp-up further underlines the country’s growing role in assembling premium iPhones for international markets.
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