Apple Chooses India For iPhone 17 Initial Production, Making Historic Shift From China

In a significant development for the country's technology manufacturing sector, Apple is set to start initial production work for its upcoming iPhone 17 in India, which is a departure from its traditional China-centric approach, says a report by The Information. The move is an indicator that the iPhone maker's confidence in India is growing. 

This move also represents Apple's first-ever New Product Introduction (NPI) process outside China.

Also read: Apple Exported $6 Billion Worth Of India-Made iPhones

What Is NPI Process

The complex NPI phase, scheduled from October through May, involves crucial pre-production steps including design refinements and testing of equipments. This technical groundwork ensures seamless mass production of the new iPhone model.

This decision signals a major strategic shift for the Cupertino-headquartered tech giant. However, the scope remains limited to the base iPhone 17 model. The more premium iPhone Pro variants will continue to be developed in China.

India's Growing Technology Manufacturing Prowess

While Apple has been assembling iPhones in India for several years, this greater responsibility of making the purported iPhone 17 is a sign of the company's1 increasing confidence in Indian manufacturing capabilities. The move represents a significant upgrade from current operations, which include assembly of existing models including the iPhone 16 Pro.

What To Expect From Apple's 2025 Lineup

According to reports and industry insiders, Apple's 2025 lineup may include a slimmer variant, likely named iPhone 17 Air, though this remains unconfirmed. The development of this model and the Pro series will primarily remain in China.