Apple's Indian Supply Chain Swells to 45 Companies [Report]

Apple is rapidly widening its manufacturing footprint in India. A new report from the Economic Times says the company now works with nearly 45 suppliers across the country, a major move to reduce reliance on China.

Officials familiar with the matter told the outlet that these suppliers have created about 350,000 jobs so far, including 120,000 direct positions. That's in addition to the employment generated by the five iPhone factories already in operation.

The network now includes Tata Electronics, Aequs, Jabil, Salcomp, Bharat Forge, Hindalco, and Wipro PARI, along with firms such as Avary, SFO Technologies, Titan Engineering, and VVDN. This ecosystem is spread across several states — from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where the main assembly plants are located, to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana.


India's growing role is reflected in production numbers. One official said roughly one in five iPhones are now built in the country, raising India's share of global output to about 20%. By 2026, most iPhones sold in the U.S. are expected to be made there.

The shift gained momentum after border clashes with China in 2020. Apple initially sought clearance for 14 Chinese suppliers to invest in India but pivoted to building an ecosystem anchored by non-Chinese firms. This approach helped ensure technology transfer and skill development, though the transition has faced hurdles, including the recent withdrawal of some Chinese engineers.

Apple's Indian production has already reached $45 billion over the past four years, with exports making up more than three-quarters of that total. Smartphone exports are now India's top outbound product, highlighting just how central iPhone manufacturing has become to the country's economy.

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