With the establishment of two new iPhone assembly factories, one by Foxconn and one by Tata Electronics, Apple is greatly increasing its manufacturing footprint in India. This growth is a component of Apple’s broader plan to diversify its supply chain and lessen its dependency on China, particularly in light of the escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.

At a new factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, Tata Electronics has already started operations. As a strategic first, this factory is now assembling previous iPhone models on a single manufacturing line. Foxconn, Apple’s biggest contract manufacturing partner, is getting ready to open a huge factory in Bengaluru, Karnataka, at the same time.

It is anticipated that the $2.6 billion Foxconn facility will start production in a matter of days, according to a Reuters story. Notably, the next iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e models will be assembled at the Bengaluru plant. By the end of 2027, it is anticipated that the facility would employ up to 50,000 people and manufacture 300 to 500 iPhones every hour once it is fully operational.

Companies like Apple are being forced to immediately reevaluate their manufacturing and logistical plans as a result of the U.S. government’s increased tariffs on Chinese imports, which coincide with this drive into India. Apple really had to use emergency airlifts to transport iPhones from India to the United States in order to fulfil demand when the tariffs were originally put into effect.

Tech writer Mark Gurman claims that Apple plans to someday use India to produce every iPhone sold in the United States. Reducing import taxes and improving logistics are the objectives. Gurman does note, however, that this change could not be smooth. Current versions like the iPhone 16 can be assembled in India, but because of their intricate designs, upcoming models like the iPhone 18 and the speculated foldable iPhone may present difficulties. Apple has never before started manufacturing a completely new iPhone design outside of China.

Nevertheless, this bold move shows Apple’s increasing reliance on India as a manufacturing hub and a key component of its long-term global strategy.