Apple’s ‘Make in India’ iPhone Exports Achieve New Milestone, Surpassing $50 Billion Under PLI Scheme
Apple Inc. has made significant strides in its manufacturing operations in India, leading to a remarkable increase in iPhone exports. Under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, the company has surpassed $50 billion in shipments, achieving this milestone by December 2025. This achievement comes just four years after Apple joined the PLI program in FY22, with projections indicating that exports could rise even further as the scheme continues. In the first nine months of FY26 alone, Apple exported nearly $16 billion, highlighting its dominance in the Indian smartphone market.
Apple’s Export Surge
Apple’s performance in India has been exceptional, particularly when compared to its closest competitor, Samsung. While Samsung exported approximately $17 billion worth of devices during its five-year PLI period from FY21 to FY25, Apple has already exceeded this figure within a shorter timeframe. The rapid growth of iPhone exports has positioned smartphones as a crucial component of India’s overall mobile exports, accounting for around 75% of the total. This surge marks a significant transformation for India, elevating smartphones to the top export category in FY25, a remarkable leap from its previous position of 167th in 2015.
Manufacturing Infrastructure and Support
Apple’s success in India is supported by a robust manufacturing infrastructure, which includes five iPhone production units—three operated by the Tata Group and two by Foxconn. These facilities are complemented by a network of nearly 45 component suppliers, many of which are micro, small, and medium enterprises. This ecosystem not only caters to domestic demand but also plays a vital role in global exports. Although the smartphone PLI scheme is set to conclude in March 2026, government officials have indicated that support for the sector will persist. A new incentive framework is anticipated to be developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure continued growth in manufacturing.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the impressive growth, challenges remain for Indian manufacturers compared to counterparts in countries like China and Vietnam. Officials have acknowledged these disparities and are committed to providing ongoing support to the industry. While some mobile phone exports occurred before the PLI scheme’s introduction, the real momentum was observed post-rollout, particularly following Apple’s decision to establish its supplier ecosystem in India. Currently, India stands as the only country outside China where iPhones are manufactured at scale.
Samsung, which was the only one among the ten PLI beneficiaries to complete its participation in FY25, achieved its production targets early due to its established manufacturing base. In contrast, Apple faced hurdles in setting up new facilities, prompting the government to extend the PLI scheme by one year. Under revised terms, companies can claim incentives for any five consecutive years within the six-year scheme period, allowing Apple to select FY22 to FY26 for its participation.
Expansion of the Electronics Ecosystem
Looking ahead, both Apple and Samsung are expanding their operations beyond smartphones. Apple’s vendors have been included in the electronics component manufacturing scheme, with plans for significant investments and job creation. Major suppliers such as Motherson, Tata Electronics, and Foxconn are set to manufacture iPhone enclosures, while Amperex Technology Limited will produce lithium-ion cells. Additionally, Hindalco will handle aluminum extrusion for components.
India is also beginning to export electronic components to countries like China and Vietnam for the production of various Apple products, including MacBooks, AirPods, and Apple Watches. This shift signifies a notable change in global electronics supply chains, further solidifying India’s role in Apple’s manufacturing strategy and the broader electronics market.
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