India Gears Up for iPhone 17: Foxconn Kicks Off Trial Assembly, Full-Scale Production Expected by August

Foxconn has shipped some components of the iPhone 17 to India in a strategic move that underscores the increasing significance of India in the global supply chain of Apple in the context of trial production. This is an indication that Apple is already in early testing of the new model of the smartphone, which is set to be unveiled in September, probably.

Early Imports Mark Beginning of Production

Important components including display assemblies, cover glass, mechanical housings and rear camera modules are also said to have started getting delivered in India in June from China. These deliveries indicate that Foxconn, the biggest contract manufacturer of Apple, has embarked on test production runs of the iPhone 17. Large-scale production is projected to begin by August.

The move is a big milestone in the India strategy of Apple. In the past year, India broke the monopoly of China as the country of choice to be included in New Product Introduction (NPI) activity of Apple with regard to iPhone 16 base models. Now, the iPhone 17 reportedly including even Pro variants is being assembled in India, marking a new milestone.

India’s Role in Apple’s Supply Chain Grows

Apple’s long-term objective is to make India a critical export and manufacturing hub. As part of this shift, Tata Electronics is also contributing to the iPhone 17’s trial production by manufacturing components like casings.

Recent data indicates that in June, iPhone 17 components made up around 10% of Foxconn’s total imports to India from China. The rest supported ongoing production for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16 models, which Apple is likely to push in the Indian market during the festive season.

Apple’s pivot to India is also reflected in the dramatic rise in exports. According to industry insights, iPhone exports from India to the U.S. jumped by over 200% year-on-year in March. The company reportedly aims to shift all U.S.-bound iPhone production from China to India by 2026.