Just a decade ago, the idea of Apple manufacturing company in India rivaling China’s production power seemed far-fetched. Today, it’s fast becoming a reality. Fueled by multi-billion-dollar investments and strong government backing through the Make in India initiative and PLI scheme, Apple’s expansion here is more than a business strategy—it’s a game-changer for India’s economy. Leading partners like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics are building massive facilities, employing tens of thousands, and pushing local component manufacturing to new heights. This surge is not only transforming India into a global iPhone hub but also creating hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with women making up a remarkable share of the workforce. In this blog, we’ll uncover how Apple’s manufacturing growth is shaping India’s job market today and what it means for the future workforce.
The Current Landscape: Apple’s Manufacturing in India
Apple’s manufacturing company in India is growing faster than ever. In FY 2023-24, India produced around 12–14% of all iPhones worldwide. By FY 2024-25, this jumped to 17–18%. The value of production also rose from $14 billion to $22 billion. Experts predict it will reach $34 billion by 2026-27, with India making about 30–35 million iPhones every month. If this growth continues, India could match China’s production levels within five years.
Foxconn, the largest Apple partner in India, operates major facilities in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur and Oragadam, and in Karnataka’s Devanahalli. It is also investing $1.5 billion in a new display module plant in Oragadam. Pegatron runs plants in Tamil Nadu, and Tata Electronics recently acquired 60% of its facility. Tata also took over Wistron’s Narasapura plant in Karnataka and is building a massive new factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with 20 assembly lines and space for 50,000 workers.
The rapid expansion is strongly supported by the Indian government’s Make in India initiative and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. These policies encourage electronics manufacturing by offering financial incentives and export benefits, helping Apple cut costs and boost supply chain resilience.
With major investments, local component production, and favorable policies, Apple’s manufacturing company in India is on track to become a global hub. This means more jobs, higher exports, and less dependence on a single country for iPhones. India is no longer just an alternative—it is becoming a central part of Apple’s global strategy.
The Direct Impact: Job Creation in Manufacturing
Apple’s manufacturing company in India is driving a massive wave of job creation. By the end of FY 2024-25, it is expected to generate around 200,000 direct jobs, with the broader ecosystem—including suppliers—likely creating up to 600,000 jobs in total. Already, contract manufacturers like Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron have produced about 80,872 direct jobs, while the extended supplier network, including Tata Group, Salcomp, Motherson, Foxlink, Sunwoda, ATL, and Jabil, has added around 84,000 more. Government estimates suggest that when indirect employment is factored in, the total impact could triple, reaching between half a million and six hundred thousand jobs.
Most of these roles are blue-collar positions in assembly, component manufacturing, and related operations. A standout fact is that women hold about 70% of these direct jobs, showcasing strong gender inclusion in electronics manufacturing. Many of these women are entering the industry for the first time, creating a pathway for economic upliftment.
Suppliers play a critical role in this employment growth. Component makers like Murata, Tata Group, Salcomp, and Jabil have expanded across states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, forming a vast network that sustains both direct and indirect jobs.
This hiring boom has also triggered widespread skill development. Apple’s manufacturers and suppliers are running training programs focused on precision assembly, quality control, and advanced manufacturing technology. These efforts are creating a skilled workforce that not only supports Apple manufacturing company in India but also strengthens the entire electronics sector.
The Indirect & Future Impact: A Broader Ecosystem
Apple’s manufacturing companies in India are creating far more than just factory jobs—it is building a wide and sustainable employment ecosystem. For every direct job at Apple and its suppliers, about three indirect jobs emerge. By the end of FY 2025, this will total between 500,000 and 600,000 jobs, including indirect roles. These jobs stretch across logistics, warehousing, retail, transportation, hospitality, and other essential services that keep production hubs like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra running smoothly. From drivers moving components to retail workers serving the growing workforce, the ripple effect is massive.
While blue-collar roles dominate, the ecosystem is also generating high-skilled jobs. In engineering and R&D, roles now include manufacturing design, software development, reliability testing, and process innovation. Supply chain management has become critical, with skilled professionals handling procurement, vendor coordination, and distribution networks. Corporate roles in finance, marketing, sales, and customer service are also expanding as Apple’s business presence grows across India.
The future impact goes deeper. Apple is working towards a full local component and semiconductor ecosystem. Indian firms like Murata, Tata Group, and Salcomp are scaling facilities to produce chipsets, displays, batteries, and enclosures. This shift will create even more skilled engineering and manufacturing positions, reduce imports, and strengthen India’s role in global high-tech production.
In short, Apple’s manufacturing company in India is driving job creation far beyond the factory floor—building a network of 600,000 jobs, nurturing skilled talent, and laying the foundation for a self-reliant, innovation-driven electronics sector.
Challenges and Opportunities
Apple’s manufacturing company in India faces a mix of hurdles and possibilities that will shape its future role in the global electronics industry. Geopolitical tensions remain a major challenge, especially the strained India-China relationship, which restricts the smooth entry of some Chinese suppliers and disrupts supply chain flows. Unpredictable global trade policies and tariff shifts—often influenced by US-China dynamics—force Apple to adjust its strategies frequently.
Infrastructure limitations also create bottlenecks. Incomplete logistics and transportation networks can slow component movement, while quality control issues—like early iPhone 15 units needing rework—show the need for better processes, advanced technology, and stronger worker training. Cost is another concern, as producing an iPhone in India is estimated to be 5–10% more expensive than in China due to higher component prices and lower production efficiency. Experts such as economist Lekha Chakraborty stress balancing policy incentives with cost management to stay competitive.
On the other hand, India’s large, young workforce is a clear advantage. The country’s growing base of blue-collar and skilled workers can meet rising manpower demands. Government initiatives like Make in India and the PLI scheme make investment easier and more profitable. The expanding middle class and increasing smartphone penetration also create a strong domestic market for Apple products.
Industry voices like Shrijay Sheth of LegalWiz.in see India as a promising manufacturing hub but emphasize that infrastructure and skills need rapid upgrading. With sustained investment in these areas, Apple’s manufacturing company in India could emerge as a central pillar of Apple’s global supply chain.
Key Takeaways
The story of Apple’s manufacturing shift to India isn’t just about moving factories — it’s about rewriting a chapter of global supply chains. Why India? Because the world is witnessing a realignment, where geopolitical tensions and supply risks push tech giants to diversify. If Apple’s move works, it won’t just be an operational win; it will be a validation of India’s ambition to be more than a service-based economy.
The real question is: will this shift create long-term manufacturing strength or remain a cost-and-risk hedge? India has the workforce, government support, and market size, but the challenge lies in building consistency, quality control, and supplier ecosystems that can match global benchmarks.
The ripple effect is undeniable — from boosting local jobs to attracting other global tech firms. But the real impact will be seen if India evolves from being a mere assembly hub to a full-fledged innovation and production powerhouse. If that happens, this move could mark the start of India’s next economic leap, one where “Designed in California” and “Made in India” sit proudly together on the same device.
Also Read; India: The New China for Apple? iPhone Manufacturing Soars with $22 Billion Shift
