Apple Plans to Move US iPhone Assembly to India by 2026 Amid Trade Tensions

Apple is reportedly preparing to shift the production of all iPhones intended for the US market to India by 2026, in an effort to reduce its heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing. This strategic move comes as the tech giant navigates the consequences of Donald Trump’s renewed trade war with China, which includes steep tariffs on Chinese imports. Although smartphones have been exempted from the heaviest tariffs, Apple still faces a 20% levy on all Chinese goods. To mitigate these risks, Apple has been increasing its iPhone output in India, using key suppliers like Foxconn and Tata, who exported nearly $2 billion in handsets to the US in March alone. The transition would involve more than doubling current production levels in India to meet US demand, which exceeds 60 million units annually. Apple has even chartered cargo flights to deliver over 600 tonnes of devices from India to the US. Despite White House support for domestic manufacturing, experts suggest assembling iPhones in the US is not feasible due to high costs and lack of infrastructure. Currently, over 90% of iPhones are assembled in China, along with most Macs and iPads, while Apple Watches are largely made in Vietnam.