In a major boost to India’s electronics manufacturing sector, Apple Inc.’s iPhone has emerged as the country’s largest export product in 2025. According to industry data, India exported nearly $23 billion worth of iPhones, with the majority of shipments headed to the United States.
Industry experts attribute the sharp rise in exports to the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which has encouraged large-scale manufacturing in India, along with Apple’s strategy to diversify its supply chain beyond China.
Smartphones Overtake Diesel to Become India’s Top Export Category
During the January–December period, total smartphone exports from India reached $30.13 billion, making smartphones the country’s top export category for the first time. This milestone saw smartphones surpass automobile diesel fuel exports.
Apple accounted for a massive 76% share of total smartphone exports from India. The company’s five-year PLI period is scheduled to conclude in March 2026.
Strong Manufacturing Ecosystem in India
Apple’s growing manufacturing ecosystem in India includes:
- Five iPhone assembly plants
- Three operated by Tata Group entities
- Two operated by Foxconn
- A supply chain supported by nearly 45 companies, including several MSMEs
This expansion has helped India become the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer, with more than 99% of phones sold domestically now labeled “Made in India.” The development has strengthened India’s position in the global electronics manufacturing value chain.
iPhone 16 Leads Premium Smartphone Growth in India
According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, Indian consumers are increasingly shifting toward premium smartphones. In 2025, the base variant of the iPhone 16 emerged as the best-selling smartphone model in the country.
During the December quarter, Apple recorded all-time revenue highs across key global markets including the United States, Europe, Japan, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Tim Cook Highlights Strong Growth in India
Apple CEO Tim Cook, during a recent earnings call, said the company maintained strong momentum in emerging markets, including India, where it registered double-digit revenue growth.
He noted that India is now the world’s second-largest smartphone market and the fourth-largest PC market. Apple also achieved record revenues from iPhone, Mac, and iPad sales, along with an all-time high in services revenue.
Apple is set to expand its retail footprint in India with the opening of another store in Mumbai on February 26, further strengthening its presence in one of its fastest-growing markets.
The surge in iPhone exports not only highlights Apple’s expanding footprint in India but also underscores the country’s emergence as a global manufacturing and export hub in the electronics sector.
