India’s export landscape transformed dramatically in 2025, with Apple’s iPhone seizing the crown as the nation’s leading export item. Shipments totaling around $23 billion—primarily to American markets—highlighted this feat, according to fresh industry figures.
What fueled this leap? Experts point to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program and a deliberate shift from China-centric supply chains. Smartphones as a whole shattered records, exporting $30.13 billion from January to December, eclipsing diesel fuel and automobiles to become India’s premier export sector. Apple commanded a whopping 76% share of these smartphone exports.
The backbone of this success includes five dedicated iPhone plants: three under Tata Group’s umbrella and two operated by Foxconn, backed by 45 suppliers, many small-scale enterprises fueling parts for worldwide operations. India has vaulted to the second spot in global mobile manufacturing, with nearly all domestic sales featuring the ‘Made in India’ badge.
Market dynamics are evolving rapidly. Premium devices are stealing the show over budget options, per Counterpoint Research, with iPhone 16’s entry-level model topping 2025 sales. Apple’s December quarter shone brightly, posting all-time high revenues across key regions like the US, Europe, Japan, and Asia-Pacific.
In his earnings call, Tim Cook praised India’s role: ‘We’ve sustained double-digit growth in emerging markets like India.’ He noted record-breaking sales for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and services, positioning India as the world’s #2 smartphone hub and #4 PC market. Come February 26, a new Apple store opens in Mumbai, amplifying the company’s footprint.
With the PLI scheme winding down in March 2026, iPhone’s export supremacy signals India’s ascent as a tech manufacturing powerhouse, poised for even greater strides.