New iPhone Factory Goes Live in India, Another Just Days Away [Report]

Apple's manufacturing shift to India is gaining momentum, with a new Tata Electronics plant reportedly starting iPhone production and a major Foxconn facility preparing to begin shipments in May, according to sources cited by Reuters.

The new Tata plant, located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, has recently begun assembling older iPhone models on a single production line. Meanwhile, Foxconn's $2.6 billion plant in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is just days away from beginning production on a single line, with output expected to reach 300 to 500 iPhones per hour. The factory will initially focus on the iPhone 16 and 16e, and is slated for full completion by December 2027. Once operational, it's expected to create up to 50,000 jobs.

The expansion is part of Apple's broader push to reduce its reliance on China for manufacturing—especially as U.S.–China trade tensions escalate. President Donald Trump has proposed tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese goods, raising fears that electronics, including iPhones, may soon be affected. While China still produces over 75% of all iPhones, India's share has grown to about 18%, according to Counterpoint Research.


To get ahead of potential supply disruptions, Apple has reportedly stepped up shipments from India. In March alone, it shipped a record $2 billion worth of iPhones to the United States—600 tons in total—with Foxconn accounting for $1.3 billion of that figure.

Tata, a relatively new entrant in Apple's supply chain, is quickly becoming a key partner. With these latest additions, Tata and Foxconn will operate a combined total of five iPhone factories across India.

Tata declined to comment on the developments, while Apple and Foxconn did not respond to requests for comment.

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