Mumbai, February 23: Apple’s iPhone has emerged as the most exported product from India in 2025, with exports valued at approximately $23 billion, primarily to the United States. This information has been revealed through industry data.
Industry insiders attribute this surge in Apple’s exports to production-linked incentives (PLI) and diversification from Chinese suppliers.
During the January to December period, smartphones accounted for a total export value of $30.13 billion, marking the first time they have surpassed automobile diesel fuel to become India’s top export category. Apple held a significant 76% share of the total smartphone exports. The five-year PLI period for Apple is set to conclude in March 2026.
Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem in India includes five iPhone assembly plants, three operated by Tata Group units and two by Foxconn, supported by a supply chain of around 45 companies, including several MSMEs that provide components for both domestic and global operations.
India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer, with over 99% of phones sold domestically being ‘Made in India.’ This has further solidified India’s position in the manufacturing value chain.
According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, there has been a significant shift in Indian consumers’ smartphone purchasing patterns, with premium phones now outselling budget models. In 2025, Apple’s iPhone 16 base variant emerged as the best-selling smartphone model.
In the December quarter, Apple set new all-time revenue records in the US, Europe, Japan, and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated in an earnings call, “We have maintained our momentum in emerging markets, including India, where we recorded strong double-digit revenue growth.” The company is set to open another store in Mumbai on February 26.
Cook also noted that India achieved a new revenue record during the December quarter, highlighting that it is the world’s second-largest smartphone market and the fourth-largest PC market. He added that the company has set new revenue records for the iPhone, Mac, and iPad, as well as an all-time high for services revenue.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
