Apple to start manufacturing iPhone 17 early in India, shift key production away from China

Apple is making a significant move by beginning early manufacturing of its upcoming iPhone 17 in India, a notable shift from its usual practice of handling this key phase in China. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed that Apple is undertaking its “New Production Introduction” (NPI) process for the iPhone 17 at an Indian facility.

This stage, critical to turning prototype designs into blueprints ready for mass production, marks an essential step in Apple’s launch process, refining manufacturing techniques and materials.

Traditionally, Apple has managed this phase in China due to the strong supply chain infrastructure there. However, this shift to India is exclusive to the standard iPhone 17 model, with the higher-end iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and a rumoured iPhone 17 Slim model likely still seeing their NPI work done in China.

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This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce its dependency on China. For years, China has been Apple’s primary hub for production, but the company has been actively working to spread its manufacturing footprint across other regions.

This diversification aims to build a more resilient supply chain that can better adapt to global challenges. Reports indicate that Apple is planning to shift around 25 per cent of its iPhone production to India in the near future, expanding beyond just standard models to include high-end devices, such as the iPhone 16 Pro models that were assembled in India this year for the first time.

India has proven to be a successful manufacturing base for Apple, as demonstrated by Bloomberg’s recent report highlighting the export of approximately $6 billion worth of iPhones from India in the past six months alone. This impressive figure signals that Apple’s investment in the country is paying off, positioning India as a key player in the company’s production strategy.

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Apple’s focus on early NPI efforts for the iPhone 17 underscores the extensive planning required for a global launch.

With the iPhone 16 series still relatively new on the market, this proactive approach illustrates the meticulous preparation needed to produce millions of units. Starting nearly a year in advance, Apple ensures that its processes, from initial design to final assembly, are fine-tuned for a seamless launch.

While specifics on the iPhone 17 are still under wraps, hints from leaks suggest that Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify its manufacturing could lead to further design and production shifts in the coming years. This change is part of Apple’s vision to strengthen its global operations and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving tech landscape.