Tata Surpasses Foxconn as Apple’s Largest Manufacturer in India

Tata Electronics has overtaken Foxconn to become Apple’s largest contract manufacturer in India, employing about 75,000 workers—up from just 15,000 two years ago—thanks to acquisitions of Wistron and Pegatron’s local operations and rapid expansion at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu.

Foxconn however is longstanding global partner of Apple and still a major assembler of iPhones in India. With its new Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu) facility and a massive upcoming plant in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Foxconn is expected to regain ground once these new facility scales.

Foxconn's new Bengaluru plant likely to challenge Tata’s lead later in 2026. Wistron and Pegatron have been absorbed into Tata, consolidating Apple’s India supply chain.

India’s role in Apple’s global strategy is expanding rapidly, with iPhone exports hitting $23 billion in 2025 and continuing to grow.  

• Tata Electronics Workforce: ~75,000 employees (2026), up from 15,000 in 2023
• Foxconn Workforce: Currently smaller in India, but expected to rise once its Devanahalli, Bengaluru plant ramps up
• Facilities: Tata’s growth driven by its 500-acre Hosur plant (Tamil Nadu) plus acquisitions of Wistron and Pegatron’s India operations
• Apple’s India Strategy: India now produces ~55 million iPhones annually, accounting for 14% of global output
• Exports: iPhones made in India contributed ₹2 lakh crore in FY26 exports, India’s single largest branded export

Factor	Tata Electronics	Foxconn
Employees (India)	~75,000	Fewer, but expanding
Major Sites	Hosur (Tamil Nadu), Wistron & Pegatron facilities	Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu), upcoming Devanahalli (Bengaluru)
Growth Driver	Acquisitions + aggressive hiring	New mega plant under construction
Apple Role	Largest India contract manufacturer	Longstanding global partner, temporarily second in India

• Temporary Lead: Tata’s dominance is by headcount; Foxconn’s upcoming Bengaluru plant could reclaim the top spot
• Execution Challenges: Rapid expansion risks operational inefficiencies if not managed carefully
• Global Competition: India still lags China in local value addition (15–20% vs. China’s 40%). Scaling beyond assembly into semiconductors and advanced packaging will be critical

To summarize, Tata’s rise marks a turning point in India’s electronics manufacturing story, positioning it as Apple’s strongest local partner. But the contest with Foxconn is far from settled—2026 will likely see intense competition as both firms expand capacity in India.

The information above is first reported by the Economic Times based (April 30, 2026) based on industry sources directly involved in Apple’s India supply chain, including executives familiar with Tata Electronics’ hiring surge and Apple’s contract manufacturing arrangements.

Apple Expands in India: Sixth Retail Store to Open in Mumbai’s Borivali on Feb 26

Apple is set to open its sixth official retail store in India at Borivali, Mumbai, on February 26, 2026.

Key Details

•  Location: Oberoi Sky City Mall, Borivali East, Mumbai
• Opening Time: 1:00 PM IST
•  Size: Around 12,600 sq. ft., with dedicated storage and parking facilities
• Design: Features Apple’s peacock-inspired visual identity
• Experience: Hands-on product demos, Apple Specialists, Geniuses, and free “Today at Apple” sessions
• Expansion Context: Second store in Mumbai after Apple BKC

Apple’s Retail Footprint in India (as of Feb 2026)

City	Store Name	Year Opened
New Delhi	Apple Saket	2023
Noida	Apple Noida	2025
Bengaluru	Apple Hebbal	2025
Pune	Apple Koregaon Park	2025
Mumbai	Apple BKC	2023
Mumbai	Apple Borivali	2026

Apple’s India Supply Chain Powers 3.5 Lakh Employment Opportunities

Apple’s expansion in India has generated around 3.5 lakh jobs, including 1.2 lakh direct jobs. These roles span manufacturing, logistics, and allied services, supported by Apple’s partnerships with 45 suppliers such as Foxconn, Tata Electronics, Aequs, Jabil, Microplastics, ATL, and over 20 Indian MSMEs. This figure excludes the workforce at Apple’s five iPhone factories in India.

• Diversification Strategy: Apple is reducing reliance on China by strengthening its India base.
• Make in India Alignment: The move supports India’s push for domestic manufacturing.
• Upskilling Opportunities: Workers gain exposure to global technology standards, enhancing India’s tech talent pool.
• Economic Impact: Beyond job creation, this strengthens India’s position in global electronics manufacturing.

Apple has built a strong supplier network of 45 firms, ranging from global giants like Foxconn, Tata Electronics, Aequs, Jabil, Microplastics, and ATL to more than 20 Indian MSMEs. This figure does not even account for the workforce employed at Apple’s five iPhone factories in the country, which further adds to the scale of employment.

The initiative is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify production away from China and establish India as a long-term hub for manufacturing and exports. It aligns closely with the Indian government’s “Make in India” program, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and boosting the nation’s electronics ecosystem. Beyond sheer job creation, Apple’s presence is helping to upskill workers by exposing them to global technology standards, thereby enhancing India’s talent pool.

Economically, the impact extends beyond employment. Apple’s growing footprint is expected to increase India’s electronics exports, attract more foreign investment, and solidify the country’s position in global supply chains. This expansion underscores how multinational corporations can simultaneously achieve strategic diversification while contributing to local economic development.

India’s iPhone Engine: Apple’s 45-Company Supply Chain Revealed

Apple has dramatically expanded its supply chain footprint in India, integrating nearly 45 companies as of 2025. This includes large domestic firms, global vendors, and over 20 Indian MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), spanning component manufacturing, subassembly, and equipment supply.

Key Indian Companies in Apple’s Supply Chain

Company Name	Role / Contribution
Tata Electronics	iPhone assembly, precision components
Bharat Forge	Machinery and tooling for electronics
Hindalco	Aluminum casings and materials
Titan Engineering & Automation Ltd	Manufacturing automation systems
Wipro PARI	Robotics and automation
VVDN Technologies	Electronics design and manufacturing
Aequs	Precision engineering and components
Microplastics	Plastic components
ATL (Anand Teknow Aids Ltd)	Battery packs and modules
Motherson Group	Wiring harnesses and connectors
Avary Technologies	Printed circuit boards (PCBs)
SFO Technologies	EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services)
Jyoti CNC Automation	CNC machinery for Apple vendors

Global Suppliers Operating in India

Company Name	Origin	Role in India
Foxconn	Taiwan	Major iPhone assembler in Tamil Nadu
Pegatron	Taiwan	iPhone assembly in Tamil Nadu
Wistron (now Tata)	Taiwan/India	iPhone assembly, now under Tata Group
Jabil	USA	Component manufacturing
Salcomp	Finland	Chargers and power components
Foxlink	Taiwan	Cable assemblies

Geographic Spread

• Assembly hubs: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
• Component ecosystem: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana

Apple’s India strategy is driven by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and geopolitical shifts, with India now producing one in five iPhones globally.

India’s iPhone Production Lags Behind China: Scaling Bottlenecks and Supply Chain Realignment

Journalist Patrick McGee's book Apple in China highlights how India's iPhone production ramped up much more slowly than China's. Between 2016 and 2023, India produced 15 million iPhones, accounting for 7% of global shipments, whereas China, between 2006 and 2013, surged from zero to 153 million units—ten times India's pace.

A key reason is that India's role in Apple's supply chain is still largely Final Assembly, Test, and Pack (FATP), meaning most components are imported from China and assembled locally by partners like Wistron and Foxconn. This dependency limits India's ability to scale as rapidly as China did.

Apple has made progress—India now assembles flagship models, including the iPhone Pro, and distribution timelines have improved. However, full supply chain independence could take another 5–10 years, as India builds up infrastructure and local component sourcing.

McGee’s book, Apple in China, highlights both the loopholes and strengths in India’s iPhone manufacturing journey.

To start with, China's factories operate with highly optimized workflows, allowing rapid scaling. In contrast, India’s iPhone Production, as mentioned above, is still largely Final Assembly, Test, and Pack (FATP), meaning most components are imported from China. This dependency slows scaling efforts.

Unlike China’s deep manufacturing ecosystem, India lacks the same level of supplier clustering, making logistics more complex. Moreover, China builts a vast electronics manufacturing ecosystem over decades, while India is still developing its supply chain. Most components are imported from China, adding logistical complexity and costs.

Apple’s diversification into India hasn’t fully reduced reliance on China. The Shanghai lockdown in 2022 accelerated India’s role, but parallel operations have increased complexity rather than true supply chain independence.

Apple initially faced hurdles due to India’s 30% local sourcing requirement, which was relaxed in 2017 but still affects supply chain efficiency.

As of now, India has moved beyond entry-level models and now assembles iPhone Pro variants, matching China’s distribution timeliness.

Meanwhile, Apple’s $22 billion investment in India signals long-term commitment, with Foxconn and Tata playing key roles in scaling production. Apple aims to make India a full-fledged manufacturing hub, but experts estimate it could take 5–10 years before India reaches China's scale.

Rising US-China tensions and tariff policies make India a more attractive alternative for Apple’s supply chain diversification.

India’s expanding middle class and increasing iPhone adoption create a strong domestic market, encouraging further investment.

Foxconn’s recent $1.5 billion investment in India signals progress, but deep manufacturing (chips, displays, batteries) is still lacking.

India is making strides, but full-scale manufacturing independence could take another 5–10 years. It's an interesting case study, for the world to see, in manufacturing dynamics. Do you think India can eventually match China's scale, or will structural challenges persist? Do comment below....

Apple India Sets Record, Ships 600 Tons of iPhones to U.S. to Beat Tariffs

Representative Image [Workers load 93 tons of iPhone 6 units onto a China Southern Airlines Boeing 777 flight headed to the U.S.] 

Apple's Indian suppliers, Foxconn and Tata, significantly ramped up iPhone shipments to the U.S. in March, reaching a record $2 billion. This surge was driven by concerns over potential tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump prompting Apple to charter cargo flights carrying 600 tons of iPhones to ensure adequate inventory in one of its key markets.
 
Foxconn alone exported $1.31 billion worth of iPhones, surpassing its combined shipments for January and February. These shipments, originating from Chennai Air Cargo, included iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e models, with Chicago receiving the largest volume. Tata Electronics also contributed, exporting $612 million worth of iPhones, marking a 63% increase from the previous month.

Apple reportedly lobbied Indian airport authorities to expedite customs clearance at Chennai airport, reducing processing time from 30 hours to just 6 hours. This strategic move helped Apple navigate the 26% U.S. import duties imposed in April, which were significantly lower than the 100%+ tariffs on Chinese imports.

This development underscores Apple's growing reliance on India as a manufacturing hub, a trend that aligns with broader shifts in global supply chains.

Here’s Why India is Hesitant for Apple To Manufacture iPhones in India

Tech giant Apple has been meaning to set up its shop in India for a long time now. But, according to a recent statement given by the country’s trade minister Apple is most likely to fail in its mission to earn tax incentives to make iPhones in the country as the government is not willing to make any exceptions for the United States- based tech company.

Apple eagerly wants to establish its stores in the fastest growing smartphone market in the world, but it has been asked by the Indian government to source at least some of the iPhone components locally from the country so as to boost the country’s floundering manufacturing sector. In order to make this possible, Apple has asked the government to provide it some tax concessions, including lower manufacturing and import duties.

Commenting on the demand, Trade Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reportedly said that if the Indian government would agree to give any such concessions, it would most likely extend the same olive branch to all smartphone manufacturers, and not just give a special treatment to Apple.

There hasn't been any official response by the tech giant on Sitharaman's comment yet.

Tim Cook, Apple's Chief Executive, came down to Indian to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year in May to discuss about the company's plan on entering the Indian manufacturing and retail space. The US-based company wants to cash on the growing smartphone market in the country, where it currently holds only a roughly 2% market share.

Reuters recently reported that Smartphone component maker Wistron, which also has tech giant Apple among its long customers list, has recently applied for a permission to expand its manufacturing plant in the city of Bengaluru.

Prior to asking tax incentives, the tech giant had pleaded the Indian government to provide a permanent relaxation from rules that require at least 30 percent of local sourcing for foreign retailers setting up single-brand outlets in the country. This demand was rejected by India's finance ministry. The country has relaxed these rules for just a three years window for single-brand foreign investors.

For now, the future of Apple in India for sure seems bleak.

Apple To Manufacture iPhones in India

Tech biggie Apple seems to have big plans for India in the year 2017. According to reports, Apple supplier Wistron Corp, a Taiwanese contract manufacturer, is seeking to expand its factory in the city of Bengaluru and has applied for a fast-tracked approval for the same.

Wistron has been recently added as Apple’s third manufacturer for Apple's 2017 incoming iPhone 8. Prior to this, the company had gained experience and credibility as an Apple supplier on secondary iPhone handsets such as the iPhone 5s and, the iPhone SE as well.

It is interesting to note that the news comes just a few weeks after its was reported that Apple is currently in the midst of talks with the Indian government regarding the possibility of assembling its products in India, one of the world’s biggest smartphone markets, where the United States tech firm makes up for less than 2 percent.

While it is still a little too early to say whether or not Apple will consider moving majority of its manufacturing from China to India, but the Wistron news does add another piece of credible evidence suggesting that this could soon be the case. Prior to the Wistron news, there were reports about both Pegatron and Foxconn — both of which are big suppliers of iPhone orders — are considering expanding to the Indian subcontinent.

If Apple ends up setting up its production in India, it would be a big win for the current Indian government which has been campaigning to attract global manufacturers to India under its famous “Make in India” slogan since taking over the power reigns in 2014. Apple's foreign investment in India will help create jobs and boost the country's economy.

While India stands to gain in terms of foreign investment and jobs, a manufacturing unit in India would also be a positive for Apple as it could help in mitigating the accelerating wage inflation in China where the majority of Apple’s devices are currently being made.

According to industry analysts, local manufacturing could be a small but crucial part of wider strategy of Apple to expand in India and even lower the prices of its products in the country after Apple's Chief Executive Tim Cook visited India in May last year and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Apple's interest in India is a known thing in the tech world. The tech giant has recently announced about its plans to invest a whopping $25 million in a new office complex in India. In addition to this, it also has plans of opening a new office in Hyderabad, which is considered as an India's tech hub, that will be especially focusing on improving Apple Maps.