India’s Make in India initiative is bearing impressive results, with iPhone exports touching an all-time high. In the first half of FY2025-26 (April–September), Apple exported iPhones worth $10 billion (Rs 88,800 crore) — marking a 75% year-on-year surge, positioning India as a rising powerhouse in global electronics manufacturing.
Apple’s Record-Breaking September
Apple recorded $1.25 billion (Rs 10,500 crore) in iPhone exports during September 2025 alone — more than double last year’s $490 million.
The shipments were driven by Apple’s key manufacturing partners — Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron — operating major facilities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
This export boom signals Apple’s deepening integration into India’s supply chain, bolstered by the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
“Made in India, Trusted by the World”: IT Minister Vaishnaw
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the milestone, stating on social media:
“Products made in India are now trusted across the world. This is the impact of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ working in tandem.”
He further revealed that India exported over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of smartphones in just six months — a 55% rise from Rs 64,500 crore during the same period last year.
Northern India: The Fastest-Growing Smartphone Hub
Northern India has emerged as the fastest-growing smartphone market, with shipments up by 35% and now accounting for one-third of the national share.
Experts attribute this surge to higher disposable incomes, festive-season sales, and aggressive e-commerce offers from major players.
Premium and Ultra-Premium Segments Drive Market Growth
According to IDC, India’s smartphone market grew by 2% in the first half of 2025, touching 60 million units.
◆The premium segment (Rs 50,000–₹1,00,000) is projected to grow 15%,
◆While the ultra-premium segment (above Rs1,00,000) could soar 167% this year.
Analysts say Indian consumers are now increasingly upgrading to premium smartphones, reflecting a shift in purchasing power and lifestyle aspirations.
India’s Rise in Global Supply Chains
Industry experts believe India is moving beyond being an assembly base to becoming an integrated manufacturing and export hub.
The PLI scheme and supportive policies have drawn global giants like Apple to relocate a substantial part of their production from China and Vietnam to India.
“Apple’s exponential export growth marks not just a commercial success but a strategic shift,” said one analyst. “It cements India’s role as a trusted global supplier of high-value technology products.”
A Turning Point for India’s Tech Manufacturing
India’s iPhone export surge is more than a statistic — it’s a symbol of transformation.
From a consumer-driven market, India is now emerging as a major global producer in the technology ecosystem, reflecting the success of Make in India and the country’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub.
