Apple CEO Tim Cook has officially confirmed a big change: most iPhones sold in the United States are now made in India. This update came in August 2025 and shows how Apple is changing where it builds iPhones. Let's explore it!
🗣 What Did Tim Cook Say?
Tim Cook said that "the majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. have a country of origin of India." He also noted that this trend is the same as last quarter—nothing has changed. This means India is now the primary production source for iPhones shipped to the U.S., while China now focuses on other global markets. (The New Indian Express)
🏭 Why Is Apple Making iPhones in India?
Apple is shifting production from China to India for several reasons:
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Tariff protection: Building in India avoids high U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods.
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Lower labor costs and government support in India.
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Less risk from disruptions and geopolitical tensions. (The New Indian Express, The Bridge Chronicle)
📊 How Big Is the Shift?
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In Q2 2025, 71% of iPhones sold in the U.S. came from India (up from 31% a year ago). (Business Insider)
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India’s share of U.S. smartphone imports has surged from 13% to 44%, while China’s share dropped from 61% to 25%. (Business Insider)
🚀 What’s Happening in India?
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Apple has begun trial production of the iPhone 17, along with current models like iPhone 14–16. (india-briefing.com)
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Suppliers like Foxconn and Tata Electronics are expanding assembly plants across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. (india-briefing.com)
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A recent investment of $1.5 billion by Foxconn in Chennai aims to boost display component production and create ~14,000 jobs. (Financial Times)
✅ What Does This Mean for the U.S.?
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Faster and more stable iPhone deliveries: Phones don’t need to ship from China.
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Lower cost risks: Apple avoids passing big tariff costs to U.S. users.
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Reliability: Multiple countries now support Apple’s supply chain.
⚠️ Political Reactions & Tariff Concerns
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Former President Donald Trump criticized Apple for moving production to India. Yet Apple continues with its plans. (The Economic Times, ABC News)
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Current tariffs on Indian imports do not include smartphones—Apple benefits from a temporary exemption. But this could change depending on future policies. (wsj.com)
🔮 What’s Next?
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Apple plans to manufacture most U.S.-destined iPhones from India by end of 2026, aiming for over 60 million units per year. (The Bridge Chronicle)
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Production will expand further to include accessories and possibly other devices like iPads, MacBooks, and Watches in India and Vietnam. (The Economic Times)
✅ Final Thoughts
Apple is firmly positioning India as its main factory hub for iPhones sold in the U.S. Quality and performance remain consistent—customers won’t notice a difference. But this move helps Apple:
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Avoid heavy tariffs
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Speed up deliveries
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Diversify risk from global disruptions
It's a big step in Apple’s global growth strategy.
🔗 More Reading
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India's rise in Apple’s export chain: India surpassed China as top U.S. smartphone supplier. (The Bridge Chronicle, Business Insider)
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Foxconn's $1.5B India plant news: fueling job growth and display production. (Financial Times)