Foxconn has begun importing components from China to India for the iPhone 17, marking the start of trial production ahead of a likely September launch, The Economic Times reported, citing customs data.
Key parts like display assemblies, cover glass, mechanical housings, and rear camera modules began arriving in June, indicating initial trial runs are underway. Full-scale manufacturing of the iPhone 17 series is expected to begin in August.
India’s role in Apple’s global supply chain has steadily expanded. The country joined Apple’s new product introduction (NPI) process for base models of the iPhone 16 last year, ending China’s exclusivity. That trend is set to continue with the iPhone 17, with Foxconn assembling even the Pro models in India.
Moneycontrol first reported in April that Foxconn started a trial production run for the iPhone 17 series in India. Tata Electronics is also involved in the trial production of components, such as casings, for the new lineup.
In June, iPhone 17-related imports accounted for approximately 10% of Foxconn’s total component shipments from China to India, while the bulk of imports supported the ongoing production of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16. Apple is expected to sell large volumes of these models in India during the upcoming festive season, the report added.
The shift comes amid Apple’s broader strategy to turn India into a key export hub. iPhone exports from India to the U.S. surged 219% year-on-year in March, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Apple aims to completely move U.S.-bound iPhone production from China to India by 2026, despite Washington's push for more domestic manufacturing.
However, a talent crunch has emerged at Foxconn’s India factory after many Chinese engineers left the country. Apple is now activating contingency plans, including tapping engineers from other countries, to ensure ramp-up targets for the iPhone 17 aren’t derailed.
While the Indian government is monitoring the situation, officials are not yet alarmed. Still, prolonged labour issues could delay Apple’s manufacturing and export schedules in one of its fastest-growing production hubs, as Moneycontrol previously reported.
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