Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia cited the example of U.S. smart devices major Apple's decision to source majority of the iPhones sold in the U.S. from the country.

  • Speaking at the Bharat Telecom event, Scindia said the investment in India at present is not just an act of goodwill alone but it makes economic sense for every OEM (original equipment manufacturer).
  • Apple CEO Tim Cook during the company's recent earnings call announced that the company will source the majority of the iPhones sold in the US from India in the June quarter, while China will produce the vast majority of the devices for other markets amid uncertainty over tax tariffs.
  • Scindia said the telecom equipment market aided by the government's production-linked incentive scheme has witnessed multifold growth.
  • "Investment of ₹4,000 crore, half a billion dollars alone, has resulted in sales of ₹80,000 crore, ₹16,000 crore in exports, (and) 25,000 jobs being created. Therefore, the telecom equipment market has also grown manifold in India," Scindia said.


Apple's operations in India have experienced significant growth, positioning the country as a pivotal hub in Apple's global supply chain.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

📈 Financial Milestones

  • Record Revenue: In FY24, Apple's India business surpassed ₹2 lakh crore (approximately $23.5 billion), marking a substantial increase from ₹1.15 lakh crore in the previous year. This growth is attributed to a surge in iPhone production and strong domestic sales of other Apple products. 

  • iPhone Exports: iPhone exports from India reached over $10 billion in FY24, up from $6.27 billion in FY23. This export growth is part of Apple's strategy to diversify its manufacturing away from China. 

  • Domestic Sales: Domestic sales of Apple products, including iPads, MacBooks, and accessories, contributed approximately ₹68,000 crore (around $8 billion) in FY24. 

🏭 Manufacturing Expansion

  • Production Growth: Apple's iPhone production in India is projected to reach $18 billion by the end of FY25, accounting for 17-18% of Apple's global iPhone production volume. 

  • Strategic Investments: Foxconn's $1.5 billion investment in India underscores Apple's commitment to expanding its manufacturing footprint. 

🛍️ Retail and Market Presence

  • Retail Expansion: Apple plans to open four new retail stores in India, including locations in Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR, enhancing its direct-to-consumer presence. 

  • Market Share: While Apple's market share in India remains below 6%, it has been steadily increasing from 2% in 2018, reflecting the growing demand for premium smartphones. 

🌐 Strategic Implications

India's role in Apple's global supply chain is expanding, with the country now accounting for approximately 14% of Apple's global iPhone production value. This shift is part of Apple's strategy to mitigate risks associated with its reliance on China and to capitalize on India's growing consumer market. 

Apple's investment and growth in India signify a strategic pivot towards a more diversified and resilient global supply chain, positioning India as a central player in Apple's future operations.