iPhone 17 launch: Apple plans to export ‘Made in India’ iPhones to the US Despite Trump’s Resistance
With the iPhone 17 launch on the horizon, Apple is set to begin exporting iPhones manufactured at its Foxconn facility in Bengaluru, India, to the United States. This development marks a significant milestone for both Apple and Karnataka’s manufacturing landscape, with shipments expected to start as early as June 2025. Despite former US President Donald Trump’s objections to Apple’s expanding manufacturing operations in India, this move highlights the growing importance of India in Apple’s global supply chain.
Foxconn’s Bengaluru Plant: The New Manufacturing Powerhouse
The Bengaluru manufacturing plant operated by Foxconn at Devanahalli ITIR is on the cusp of initiating exports of the latest iPhone models to the US market. Karnataka Minister M. B. Patil recently confirmed this progress on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the facility is nearly ready for large-scale production and shipment.
This investment boosts Karnataka’s profile as a global manufacturing hub and attracts further foreign direct investment (FDI). The facility’s readiness to export iPhones also signals a shift in Apple’s production strategy, focusing on diversification to reduce supply chain risks.
Political Opposition: Donald Trump’s Stance on Apple’s India Manufacturing
In May 2025, former President Donald Trump publicly voiced strong criticism of Apple’s CEO Tim Cook regarding the company’s expanding manufacturing footprint in India. Speaking at a high-profile business event in Doha, Qatar, Trump expressed his clear displeasure with Apple’s strategy to increase production outside the United States. He emphasized that while India might be capable of meeting its own domestic demand, Apple’s use of Indian facilities to serve global markets was a point of contention.
“Told Apple CEO Tim Cook we’re not interested in you building in India; they can take care of themselves,” Trump declared, highlighting concerns about jobs shifting away from the US.
This statement reflects Trump’s ongoing political and economic stance advocating for the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing and reducing the outsourcing of critical industries abroad.
Trump’s comments came amid broader debates in the U.S. about economic nationalism and the balance between global supply chain diversification and domestic job security. He criticized Apple for leveraging India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem not only to supply the local market but also to serve international consumers, which he framed as a threat to American employment.
Despite his criticism of Apple’s overseas expansion, Trump also acknowledged the company’s commitment to boosting production within the United States. He pointed out that Apple has plans to increase its domestic manufacturing capacity, which aligns with his administration’s long-standing push for reshoring industries and encouraging companies to invest in American labor and infrastructure.
This dual message rejecting expanded foreign production while supporting domestic growth highlights the complex political landscape Apple must navigate. The company’s global manufacturing diversification, including its significant investments in India, is viewed by many as a necessary strategy to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities. Yet, this approach clashes with nationalist sentiments and political pressures urging firms to prioritize American jobs.
Trump’s public remarks thus serve as a reminder of the political risks that multinational corporations like Apple face when balancing global business strategies with national interests. As Apple moves forward with the iPhone 17 launch and continues expanding its “Made in India” production, the company will likely have to carefully manage these competing pressures from both political leaders and international markets.
Economic Implications: India’s Gains and Potential Risks
While political debates continue, economic experts note that India stands to benefit substantially from Apple’s manufacturing investments. According to Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, relocating production back to the US would likely harm Apple more than India. He explains:
-
India currently earns around $30 per iPhone produced through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which provides financial rewards to manufacturers meeting certain criteria.
-
A large portion of this revenue is cycled back to Apple as incentives, making India a lucrative manufacturing base.
-
Although some low-income jobs might be at risk if manufacturing shifts, the broader economic impact remains positive for India’s growth.
The Role of India’s Policy Environment
India has strategically reduced import duties on critical smartphone components to facilitate easier manufacturing for global tech giants like Apple. While this benefits multinational corporations by lowering production costs, it creates challenges for domestic manufacturers competing to build a robust local industry.
Nonetheless, the government’s PLI scheme and other incentives have accelerated investments and production capacity expansion across India’s tech sector.
iPhone 17: What to Expect from the New Launch
The iPhone 17 launch is highly anticipated as Apple is expected to unveil its latest advancements in design, performance, and camera technology. With each new iteration, Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, and the iPhone 17 is poised to be no exception. Early rumors suggest enhancements in processing power with the next-generation A-series chip, improved battery efficiency, and cutting-edge camera systems that could redefine mobile photography.
One notable aspect of the upcoming launch is the increasing role of Apple’s Bengaluru manufacturing facility. This facility is integral to Apple’s global supply chain, contributing significantly to worldwide shipments of iPhones. The “Made in India” label on iPhones reflects Apple’s commitment to expanding its production footprint beyond traditional hubs. This strategy not only supports local economies but also aligns with Apple’s broader goal of diversifying manufacturing locations to better meet global consumer demand.
Apple’s diversification strategy in manufacturing is a calculated move to reduce its dependency on any single country. Historically reliant on China for the bulk of its iPhone production, Apple is now broadening its manufacturing base to include India and other regions. This shift is critical in enhancing Apple’s resilience amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and supply chain disruptions that have challenged global technology companies in recent years.
By leveraging multiple manufacturing sites, Apple can mitigate risks associated with political instability, tariffs, and unforeseen disruptions like pandemics or natural disasters. The Bengaluru facility not only supports production volume but also serves as a strategic node in Apple’s global logistics network. This decentralization allows Apple to maintain steady supply, manage costs effectively, and ensure faster delivery to markets worldwide.
In addition to production benefits, the “Made in India” initiative resonates well with local consumers, strengthening Apple’s brand presence in one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets. As the iPhone 17 launch approaches, industry experts expect Apple to highlight these manufacturing advances alongside its technological innovations, signaling a new era of global manufacturing excellence and product innovation.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to export iPhones from India to the US amid political resistance underscores India’s rising significance in the global tech manufacturing arena. The iPhone 17 launch will not only excite consumers with cutting-edge technology but also highlight the evolving dynamics of international supply chains.
As India continues to attract major investments and enhance its production capabilities, the ‘Made in India’ label on iPhones is poised to become a symbol of the country’s growing influence in the technology sector.
Read Also iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Camera Test: A Detailed Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Apple start exporting iPhones from India to the US?
Apple’s Foxconn plant in Bengaluru is expected to begin shipping iPhones to the US as early as June 2025.
2. Why is Donald Trump opposed to Apple’s manufacturing in India?
Trump expressed concerns over job losses in the US and preferred Apple’s production to focus on the American market.
3. What benefits does India gain from Apple’s manufacturing?
India benefits through job creation, foreign investment, and revenue from government incentive programs like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
4. Will the ‘Made in India’ label affect iPhone prices in the US?
Currently, production location does not directly impact pricing, but localized manufacturing may help Apple manage costs and tariffs.
5. How does the PLI scheme encourage manufacturing in India?
The PLI scheme offers financial incentives to companies meeting production targets, encouraging them to invest and expand operations in India.
