Foxconn begins trial production of the iPhone 17 in India as Apple prepares for a simultaneous rollout with China. Here’s what it means for the upcoming launch.
The iPhone 17, 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max Are Ready for Production in India
Apple’s iPhone 17 launch is moving right on schedule, and a major manufacturing milestone just brought it a step closer. According to The Economic Times, Apple’s main supplier Foxconn has started importing key iPhone 17 components into India to begin trial production.
iPhone 17 Trial Production Begins in India
Customs data reveals that Foxconn received critical parts in June, including display assemblies, camera modules, and mechanical housings, parts essential to building the iPhone 17. These shipments represent around 10% of Foxconn’s total imports from China that month, signaling that Apple is laying the groundwork for its next-gen iPhone right on time.
Industry experts believe this marks the beginning of iPhone 17 trial production, with mass production expected in August, ahead of the anticipated September iPhone 17 launch.
A Shift in Apple’s Manufacturing Strategy
For years, Apple relied almost exclusively on China for early-stage iPhone development. But that’s changing. India is now a part of Apple’s New Product Introduction (NPI) process, basically the blueprint stage of a new iPhone. After participating in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus NPI last year, India is now expected to start iPhone 17 production on the same day as China for the very first time.
This move supports Apple’s ongoing goal of diversifying its supply chain, and Foxconn’s Indian facilities are a big part of that under the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Some Early Roadblocks
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Reports suggest that a number of Chinese engineers have recently left Foxconn’s Indian plants. These engineers were crucial to setting up the production line, training employees, and ensuring the ultra-precise machining needed for iPhone assembly.
Related: Trump Slams Apple Over iPhone Production in India, Threatens 25% Tariff
One executive explained that even a 1mm difference in assembly could cause units to fail quality testing, which highlights how important this expertise is.
Still, Indian officials remain confident. According to the Press Trust of India, the government believes that the production schedule won’t be affected. Apple also appears to be progressing as planned, with import delays for large-scale machinery now improving.
What’s Next?
The full iPhone 17 lineup is still expected to debut this fall, and if all goes according to plan, we could see units rolling off the production lines in both India and China simultaneously. That would be a first, and a major shift in Apple’s global manufacturing strategy.
