Apple has reached a major milestone in India’s smartphone manufacturing push, with iPhone exports crossing $50 billion by December 2025 under the production linked incentive scheme, according to industry data. The figure is expected to rise further, as three months still remain in the company’s five year incentive window.
In the first 9 months of FY26 alone, iPhone exports stood at nearly $16 billion. This pushed Apple’s cumulative exports during the PLI period beyond the $50 billion mark.
In comparison, Samsung exported smartphones worth about $17 billion during its full five year eligibility period under the same scheme from FY21 to FY25.
Apple’s growing manufacturing base in India now includes 5 iPhone assembly plants. Of these, 3 are operated by Tata Group entities and 2 by Foxconn. The ecosystem is supported by a supply chain of around 45 companies, including several MSMEs that supply components for both domestic use and global exports.
Strong iPhone shipments have reshaped India’s export landscape. Smartphones emerged as the country’s single largest export category in FY25, driven largely by iPhones that accounted for about 75 per cent of total smartphone exports. This marks a sharp rise from 2015, when smartphones ranked 167 among India’s export items.
India has also become the world’s second largest mobile phone producer. More than 99 per cent of mobile phones sold in the country are now Made in India, highlighting a steady move up the manufacturing value chain.
The smartphone PLI scheme is scheduled to end in March 2026. However, the government is reportedly exploring options to extend support. Under revised guidelines, companies were allowed to claim incentives for any 5 consecutive years within a 6 year period.
Apple suppliers and Samsung were also selected under the electronics component manufacturing scheme. Samsung is expected to set up a display module sub assembly unit, which is likely to create jobs for around 300 people.
Apple’s strong local performance is also reflected in sales. The company sold about 6.5 million iPhone 16 units in the first 11 months of 2025, making it the highest selling smartphone in India during that period. A report from a research firm said Apple outperformed Android rivals, with the iPhone 15 also featuring among the top 5 best selling smartphones.
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