Apple begins early iPhone 17 production in India, marking shift away from China

Apple has reportedly commenced early production of the iPhone 17 in India, marking a shift from its traditional product development base in China. This step, known as New Product Introduction (NPI), usually takes place in Chinese facilities where Apple refines prototypes into consumer-ready products. Now, for the first time, this process is underway at an undisclosed factory in India, as Apple seeks to diversify its supply chain.

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This development aligns with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions that Apple would begin the iPhone 17’s early production in India in 2024. With Foxconn already producing iPhones at scale in India, Apple is increasingly looking to India as a significant manufacturing hub. This strategy reflects Apple's goal to reduce reliance on Chinese production due to logistical and geopolitical factors and supply chain issues witnessed during the pandemic. Additionally, the company aims to support India’s growing market by producing more iPhones domestically.

Apple began this shift gradually, starting with the iPhone SE in 2017, and has expanded to include several models. This move is expected to further accelerate with iPhone 17, as Apple strengthens its presence in India’s tech ecosystem.