Apple May Shift 20th Anniversary iPhone Production to India Amid Rising Costs
Apple is reportedly developing two special-edition iPhones for its 20th anniversary in 2027, including a foldable model and a glass-centric Pro version. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, production may partially shift from China to India to mitigate supply chain risks amid rising US-China trade tensions. However, this move could increase manufacturing costs by 5%–10%, as India currently lacks the advanced infrastructure found in China for complex devices. While Foxconn handles assembly and Samsung provides OLED panels for the foldable model, mass production is expected to begin in late 2026. Industry analysts suggest that due to the technical complexity of foldable screens and new glass materials, India will likely handle only final assembly, preventing a complete exit from the Chinese supply chain. This strategic shift occurs as Apple faces declining smartphone shipments in China, dropping 9% year-on-year in the first quarter. The company’s high pricing has limited its competitiveness against local brands benefiting from government subsidies, prompting a reevaluation of its manufacturing and market strategies in the region.
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Apple May Shift 20th Anniversary iPhone Production to India Amid Rising Costs
Apple is reportedly developing two special-edition iPhones for its 20th anniversary in 2027, including a foldable model and a glass-centric Pro version. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, production may partially shift from China to India to mitigate supply chain risks amid rising US-China trade tensions. However, this move could increase manufacturing costs by 5%–10%, as India currently lacks the advanced infrastructure found in China for complex devices. While Foxconn handles assembly and Samsung provides OLED panels for the foldable model, mass production is expected to begin in late 2026. Industry analysts suggest that due to the technical complexity of foldable screens and new glass materials, India will likely handle only final assembly, preventing a complete exit from the Chinese supply chain. This strategic shift occurs as Apple faces declining smartphone shipments in China, dropping 9% year-on-year in the first quarter. The company’s high pricing has limited its competitiveness against local brands benefiting from government subsidies, prompting a reevaluation of its manufacturing and market strategies in the region.
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