Foxconn Begins Importing iPhone 17 Components to India; Trial Production Set for July
New Delhi, July 12 — Apple’s largest contract manufacturer, Foxconn Technology Group, has initiated the import of key components for the upcoming iPhone 17 into India, marking the beginning of trial production this month. The move signals Apple’s strategic shift toward simultaneous manufacturing in India and China, ahead of the device’s global launch in September 2025.
According to customs data cited by The Economic Times, components such as display assemblies, cover glass, mechanical housings, and integrated rear camera modules began arriving in India in June. These parts accounted for approximately 10% of Foxconn’s total imports from China that month, with the bulk still supporting ongoing production of iPhone 14 and iPhone 16 models for India’s festive season.
The trial production phase will be followed by full-scale assembly in August, aligning with Apple’s goal to reduce dependency on China and bolster India’s role as a strategic export hub, particularly for shipments to the United States. Apple plans to fully shift U.S.-bound iPhone production from China to India by 2026, responding to high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and growing geopolitical pressures.
India’s integration into Apple’s New Product Introduction (NPI) process began with the iPhone 16 base models in 2024, ending China’s long-standing exclusivity. The iPhone 17 will continue this trend, with Pro variants also expected to be assembled in India.
However, the transition faces challenges. Foxconn has reportedly recalled hundreds of Chinese engineers from its Indian facilities, raising concerns about production scalability. These engineers were instrumental in assembly line design, precision machining, and training local staff. Additionally, Chinese Customs delays in releasing critical equipment needed for production upgrades have further complicated the timeline.
Despite these hurdles, Apple remains committed to its Make in India strategy, with Foxconn expanding its footprint through new facilities, including an assembly unit in Bengaluru. Apple assembled 60% more iPhones in India in FY25, valued at approximately USD 22 billion, and aims to produce 60 million units in FY26, up from 35–40 million last year.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Apple’s global supply chain realignment, positioning India as a central player in the tech giant’s future manufacturing roadmap.
