A significant shift in Apple's global manufacturing strategy appears to be underway, potentially reshaping supply chains for its flagship product. According to reports from the Financial Times, citing sources described as being familiar with the matter, the tech giant is formulating plans to assemble all iPhones destined for the United States market in India by the end of 2026. This represents a potentially monumental move for Apple, which has historically relied heavily on manufacturing facilities in China to produce the vast majority of its iPhones sold worldwide. The timeline suggests a deliberate and phased transition over the next couple of years.The impetus for this strategic pivot seems rooted in the evolving geopolitical landscape and trade dynamics between the US and China. Products manufactured in China have increasingly faced scrutiny and potential complications when imported into the US market, described by some observers as becoming a 'toxic asset' due to ongoing tensions, tariffs, and calls for supply chain diversification. By shifting the assembly of US-bound iPhones to India, Apple could mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single country, particularly one with which the US has complex trade relations. This move aligns with broader trends of companies seeking alternative manufacturing hubs to build more resilient and geographically diverse supply chains.Establishing India as the primary assembly location for iPhones sold in the crucial US market would mark a major milestone in the country's ambitions to become a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse. It signifies growing confidence in India's manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure to handle the complex and high-volume demands of Apple's production. While China is expected to remain a significant part of Apple's overall manufacturing footprint, especially for iPhones sold in other global markets, dedicating Indian facilities specifically for the US supply underscores the strategic importance of this diversification effort. This potential shift reflects a calculated response to global economic pressures and a proactive step towards securing its supply chain for one of its most important markets.
