Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 17: Foxconn’s new manufacturing facility at the Devanahalli IT Investment Region in Bengaluru is set to commence commercial iPhone shipments as early as June, Karnataka’s Commerce and Industries Minister MB Patil announced on Saturday. This development marks a significant leap in India’s ambition to become a global hub for Apple production.

In a post on X, Minister Patil hailed the facility’s imminent launch as more than just a milestone in output—it represents “a strategic shift.” Facing rising geopolitical tensions and import tariffs, Apple is increasingly pivoting to India for its manufacturing needs. “India is fast becoming Apple’s preferred production hub,” Patil said, noting that this expansion will both attract further foreign investment and reinforce Karnataka’s standing in global supply chains.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has already confirmed that a majority of the iPhones sold in the US during the June quarter will be made in India. “As a Kannadiga, this is a proud moment. From Mysuru to Cupertino, Karnataka is making global headlines,” Patil added.

Union Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed these sentiments, asserting that India is achieving “Make in India at a global scale.” Foxconn’s Bengaluru plant, at full capacity, is expected to produce up to 20 million iPhones annually. In the past year, India-assembled iPhones totaled $22?billion in exports, with Foxconn’s Tamil Nadu unit alone contributing nearly half.

Recent data show that exports from Foxconn’s Indian operations have surged by over 40% year-on-year. Currently, India accounts for nearly 20% of Apple’s worldwide iPhone production, underscoring the country’s growing importance in Apple’s global strategy.

Domestically, Apple’s performance is equally robust. In the first quarter of 2025, India shipped over three million iPhones, setting a new quarterly record and highlighting the expanding market for premium smartphones in the country.