Apple supplier begins importing iPhone 17 parts to India ahead of Sep launch

In a significant move, Foxconn, Apple's key supplier, has started to import parts from China to India for the assembly of the upcoming iPhone 17, as reported by the Economic Times based on customs records. The initial shipments appear to be intended for trial production, as the quantity imported is notably lower than that for previous iPhone models. Last month, various components such as display assemblies, cover glass, mechanical housings, and integrated rear camera modules began arriving in India. Interestingly, these parts accounted for approximately 10% of Foxconn’s total imports from China during June. The bulk of the components imported were aimed at the iPhone 16 and iPhone 14 variants, which Foxconn plans to produce in larger quantities for the festive season. According to the report, trial production for the iPhone 17 is slated to begin this month, with mass production expected to kick off in August, just ahead of the phone's anticipated launch in September. Apple is looking to manufacture the iPhone 17 in both India and China from the outset, establishing India as a vital export hub, particularly for models destined for the U.S. market. Furthermore, in light of the steep tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, Apple is accelerating its iPhone production in India and aims to completely transition its sourcing for U.S. market iPhones from China to India by 2026. This strategy comes as the U.S. government continues to urge companies to manufacture domestically. Notably, iPhone exports from India to the U.S. surged by 219% year-on-year in March, as reported by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Apple is progressively closing the production gap between its facilities in China and India. While iPhone 14 assembly began in India six weeks after its Chinese counterpart, the process for the iPhone 15 commenced almost simultaneously in both locations. Additionally, India participated in Apple’s new product introduction (NPI) for the iPhone 16 variants in 2024, signaling the end of China's exclusivity. This trend is expected to continue with the forthcoming iPhone 17 models.