NEW DELHI: In a significant shift in Apple’s global supply chain, CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that the majority of iPhones sold in the United States last quarter were manufactured in India. China, once the backbone of Apple’s production, has now taken a secondary role, mainly serving non-US markets.
Speaking to analysts following Apple’s quarterly earnings announcement, Cook stated, “There hasn’t been a change from what I said last quarter — the majority of iPhones sold in the US have a country of origin of India.” He further highlighted that Vietnam has taken on the production of other key Apple devices for the US, including MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches.
Cook’s statement comes despite continued criticism from former US President Donald Trump, who has publicly opposed Apple’s shift to Indian manufacturing. During a visit to Doha in May, Trump remarked, “I had a little problem with Tim Cook… I said to him, my friend, I am treating you very good… but now I hear you are building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.”
However, Apple appears undeterred by political pressure, reaffirming its commitment to India not only as a manufacturing base but also as a rapidly growing consumer market. The company’s India revenues are hitting record highs, driven primarily by booming iPhone sales.
“India is among our high-growth markets,” Cook noted, pointing out that Apple saw double-digit growth in emerging regions including India, the Middle East, South Asia, and Brazil. Apple recorded a 10% global revenue growth for the quarter, bringing in $94 billion, with India among the top-performing markets.
In addition to ramping up manufacturing, Apple is also expanding its retail footprint in India, with new Apple Stores already operational and more on the way.
Cook also addressed the broader impact of global trade tensions, particularly tariffs. While the US recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, electronics like smartphones and laptops have so far been exempt. Still, Apple incurred $800 million in tariff-related costs during the June quarter, with an estimated $1.1 billion expected in the September quarter, pending further changes in global trade policy.
Despite these challenges, Cook emphasized Apple’s resilience and adaptability. “We saw iPhone growth in every geographic segment,” he said, adding that the company posted record June-quarter revenues in over two dozen countries, including the US, Canada, Latin America, Western Europe, the Middle East, India, and South Asia.
Bottom line: With India now at the heart of Apple’s supply chain and retail strategy, the company is clearly betting big on the subcontinent — both as a production powerhouse and a major consumer market — even as geopolitical rhetoric continues to evolve.
