Apple is reportedly preparing to move the assembly of all iPhones sold in the United States to India as early as next year, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. The move marks a significant pivot away from China, driven largely by the intensifying trade tensions between Washington and Beijing under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The report highlights that Apple is accelerating its manufacturing diversification efforts in response to the tariff war and escalating geopolitical risks, which have disrupted supply chains and threatened profit margins for global tech companies. By shifting its U.S.-bound production to India, Apple aims to safeguard its most profitable market from further trade-related uncertainties.
This bold transition would also reinforce India’s growing role in the global electronics supply chain, as it continues to position itself as a reliable alternative to China for multinational manufacturers. Apple has already been ramping up its production capacity in India through partners like Foxconn and Pegatron, which have expanded operations with support from the Indian government’s production-linked incentive schemes.
Analysts view this strategy as a long-term hedge that may also serve Apple’s broader interests in India—now the world’s most populous country and one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets. While the current shift is focused on devices destined for American consumers, the move could signal a broader transformation in Apple’s global supply chain strategy.
The Financial Times report did not confirm whether Apple plans to reduce its footprint in China for iPhones sold in other markets. However, the shift for U.S. inventory alone marks a historic break from a decades-long reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to cast a shadow over global trade, Apple’s realignment reflects a growing trend among Western companies to “de-risk” their operations by diversifying geographically—a shift that could reshape the tech manufacturing landscape for years to come.
Image: By Original: Rob Janoff – Apple logo png, Public Domain, Link
