Foxconn has initiated the import of iPhone 17 components from China to India for trial production, marking a crucial step ahead of the anticipated September launch. Key parts such as display assemblies, cover glass, mechanical housings, and integrated rear camera modules have been arriving at Foxconn’s Indian facilities since June. These shipments represent about 10% of Foxconn’s imports from China for the month, with the rest allocated to other iPhone models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16.
Experts view the scale of these shipments as indicative of early-stage trial production, with mass production slated to start in August. India is now participating in Apple’s New Product Introduction process, which previously occurred only in China. This change allowed for nearly simultaneous production starts in both countries for the iPhone 16 models. For the iPhone 17, Apple aims for same-day production launches in China and India, marking a first in their manufacturing strategy.
Apple plans to expand its manufacturing presence in India to diversify its supply chain, with Foxconn playing a key role under India’s Production Linked Incentive scheme. However, challenges have arisen, such as the departure of Chinese engineers from Foxconn’s Indian facilities. These engineers are crucial for precision machining and employee training, essential in the early phases of iPhone assembly.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government remains optimistic, asserting that the engineers’ return to China will not impact iPhone 17 production. Apple continues to scale production as planned, with import bottlenecks for necessary machinery easing. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch in the fall.
