Apple iPhone exports from India cross $50 billion under PLI scheme

By Admin

06 Jan, 2026

Introduction
Apple has reached a significant manufacturing and export milestone in India, with iPhone exports crossing the $50 billion mark under the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This achievement highlights India’s rapidly growing role in the global electronics supply chain and reflects the success of policy-driven manufacturing expansion.

India’s Growing Role in Apple’s Global Strategy
The $50 billion export milestone was achieved within Apple’s five-year participation period under the PLI programme for smartphones. This rapid progress underlines how quickly Apple has been able to scale up production in India. Industry executives point to strong global demand for iPhones and a steady expansion of manufacturing capacity as the key drivers behind this growth.

Apple’s production in India is supported by major contract manufacturers such as Foxconn and Tata Electronics, whose facilities have significantly ramped up output over the past few years. These plants are now producing a wide range of iPhone models not just for the Indian market, but for customers worldwide.

Shift from Domestic Market to Global Export Hub
India has steadily evolved from being primarily a domestic sales market for Apple to becoming a crucial export base. A large share of iPhones manufactured in India is now shipped to international markets including the United States, Europe, and West Asia. This marks a strategic shift as Apple diversifies its manufacturing footprint beyond China to reduce supply chain risks and improve resilience.

The growing export volumes signal increasing confidence in India’s manufacturing quality, scale, and reliability. They also demonstrate the country’s ability to meet the stringent standards required for high-end consumer electronics.

Impact of the PLI Scheme
Government officials have credited the PLI scheme as a key catalyst behind this success. By offering incentives linked to incremental production, the scheme has encouraged global electronics companies to invest heavily and manufacture at scale in India. Beyond exports, the programme has helped strengthen the local component ecosystem and generate employment across the electronics value chain.

The PLI framework has also played a role in attracting long-term investments, improving supply chain depth, and supporting the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities within the country.

Outlook for Apple and India’s Electronics Exports
With iPhone exports from India continuing to accelerate, industry watchers expect Apple’s India-made devices to account for an even larger share of the company’s global shipments in the coming years. This growth is set to further boost India’s overall electronics exports and reinforce its position as a global manufacturing hub.

The $50 billion milestone not only marks a major achievement for Apple but also represents a strong endorsement of India’s “Make in India” ambitions, signaling the country’s readiness to compete at the highest level in global electronics manufacturing.