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Technology

Apple’s made-in-India iPhones cross $50 bn in 2025

Apple’s iPhones made in India have hit a remarkable milestone, with exports reaching $50 billion (around ₹4.5 lakh crore) in 2025, the government has revealed. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called it a “historic achievement” and a testament to India’s growing stature in global electronics manufacturing.

This surge comes as a direct result of India’s Make in India initiative and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, both aimed at attracting global companies to set up and expand their manufacturing operations locally. Apple joined the PLI program in 2022, and the results are already visible. In fact, in the first nine months of the current fiscal year alone, India shipped $16 billion worth of iPhones abroad.

Vaishnaw highlighted how India’s electronics industry has grown over the past decade, noting that production has increased six-fold and exports have jumped eight-fold since 2014. Today, smartphones and electronic goods are among the country’s top export categories, and Apple’s success is playing a big role in that story.

Much of this production comes from Apple’s assembly partners in India, including Foxconn and Tata Electronics. A network of around 45 component makers, including many small and medium enterprises, supports these plants. This ecosystem is not only helping Apple meet global demand but also creating local employment—currently supporting around 2.5 million jobs in electronics manufacturing.

For perspective, while Samsung’s mobile exports from India during a comparable period totaled about $17 billion, Apple’s iPhone shipments have more than doubled that, underlining India’s rising significance in the global supply chain.

For the thousands of workers on the assembly lines, and the millions in supporting industries, the $50 billion achievement represents both pride and promise for the future of “Made in India.”

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Corporate

Foxconn hires 30,000 at women-led iPhone plant in Bengaluru

Taiwan-based electronics giant Foxconn has successfully recruited 30,000 employees at its new iPhone assembly plant in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, achieving the feat in just eight to nine months,  the fastest factory hiring record in India. The development highlights India’s increasing role in global electronics manufacturing and Apple’s plan to reduce reliance on China.

The 300-acre plant is notable for its workforce composition, with around 80% women, mostly aged 19–24 and entering formal employment for the first time. This makes the facility one of the largest single-location women employer hubs in the country.

Trial production began in April–May, initially assembling iPhone 16 models, and the plant now produces the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max devices, with over 80% of phones exported, integrating the unit into Apple’s global supply chain.

To accommodate its staff, Foxconn has built six large dormitories, with plans for more. The company aims to develop the site into a self-contained mini township with residential, medical, educational, and recreational facilities. Employees receive free accommodation, subsidized meals, and an average monthly salary of ₹18,000, considered competitive for blue-collar manufacturing jobs for women.

The ₹20,000 crore investment positions the Devanahalli facility to become India’s largest factory in terms of production capacity and employment. Foxconn expects the workforce could rise to 50,000 once the plant reaches full capacity next year.

This rapid ramp-up aligns with Apple’s strategy to expand manufacturing outside China, supported by India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. With exports increasing, India is set to become a central hub in Apple’s global manufacturing network, while creating significant employment opportunities for women.

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Technology

Chinese phone makers lure iPhone users with AI

Chinese smartphone makers are increasingly targeting iPhone users, seeking to convert those frustrated by Apple’s delayed AI rollout in China. With the tech giant’s new AI features still slow to arrive, rivals such as Honor, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei see an opportunity to lure customers with innovative tools and services.

One key strategy is making the switch from iPhone to their devices as seamless as possible. Honor, for instance, offers a “Device Clone” app that transfers contacts, photos, messages, and other data simply by scanning a QR code. Oppo provides a similar feature, allowing users to manage their calls, messages, and notifications from their new phones almost immediately after migration. Vivo and Xiaomi are also expanding tools that reduce the friction for iPhone users considering a move to their ecosystems.

Beyond migration apps, Chinese brands are rolling out advanced AI features to differentiate themselves. Oppo’s new AI assistant can analyze screenshots to track expenses, offer real-time workout guidance via the camera, and help users navigate daily routines more efficiently. Honor has launched AI tools that compare coupons across platforms, assist with ride-hailing, and even create short-form videos — features that could appeal to iPhone users looking for smarter, more interactive devices.

The timing of these initiatives comes at a moment when Apple is facing a slight slowdown in China. In the third quarter of 2025, iPhone shipments fell about 2% year-on-year, while local brands gained momentum. Vivo, for example, overtook Apple to lead the market with roughly 18.5% share, highlighting the competitive threat to the U.S. tech giant in its key premium market.

Analysts say these moves may entice some iPhone users to switch, especially those eager for AI enhancements that Apple has yet to deliver. However, Apple still maintains a strong hold on the premium segment globally, with brand loyalty and ecosystem advantages keeping many users invested.

For now, Chinese smartphone makers are betting that easy-switch tools combined with AI-powered features could be enough to tempt a wave of iPhone users toward their devices, potentially reshaping the premium smartphone landscape in China.

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Categories
Technology

Apple to open fifth India store at Noida on Dec. 11

Apple is all set to open its fifth official retail store in India at DLF Mall of India, Noida, on December 11, 2025. This will be the company’s second store in the Delhi‑NCR region, following its flagship outlet in Saket, New Delhi.

The new store features a peacock-inspired design, reflecting a modern and vibrant look similar to Apple’s recent stores in Bengaluru and Pune. Inside, customers will be able to explore the full range of Apple products, including the latest iPhone 17 series, the M5-powered iPad Pro, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

Apple will provide personalized support through its Apple Specialists and Geniuses, helping customers with product setup, troubleshooting, and advice. The store will also host “Today at Apple” sessions, offering workshops on photography, music, art, coding, and creative skills, allowing users to learn and create in an engaging environment.

The Noida store is part of Apple’s larger plan to expand its physical presence in India, where demand for its products has been steadily growing. This expansion comes alongside Apple’s ongoing efforts to increase local manufacturing and operations, strengthening its position in the Indian market.

With this launch, Apple now has stores in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, and Noida, giving Indian customers access to its full range of products, services, and educational sessions. The move demonstrates Apple’s commitment to providing a complete, hands-on retail experience in India, combining shopping, support, and creativity under one roof.

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