iPhone 17 Trial Production Kicks Off in India as Foxconn Imports Key Components
Foxconn has initiated trial production of the upcoming iPhone 17 in India, marking a meaningful milestone in Apple’s diversification of its manufacturing base. The company has begun importing critical components from China, including display assemblies, cover glass, mechanical housings, and integrated rear camera modules, to its Indian facilities.
These shipments, which commenced in June, represent approximately 10% of Foxconn’s total imports from China for the month, with the remaining components destined for other iPhone models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16.Industry experts view the scale of these imports as a clear indicator of early-stage trial production, with mass production slated to begin in August in readiness for a September launch.
This development signifies India’s growing role in Apple’s New Product Introduction (NPI) process,a crucial phase in new model development that was historically confined to China. india’s participation in the NPI for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus in 2024 allowed for near-simultaneous production starts in both countries, a notable acceleration compared to the iPhone 14’s India ramp-up, which began six weeks after China.
For the iPhone 17, Apple is reportedly aiming for concurrent production starts in China and India for the first time.This strategic move aligns with Apple’s broader objective to strengthen its manufacturing presence in India and reduce reliance on a single supply chain, with foxconn playing a pivotal role under India’s Production Linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
However, the transition has not been without its hurdles. Recent reports have highlighted the departure of Chinese engineers from Foxconn’s Indian facilities.These engineers were instrumental in crucial early-stage assembly functions, including factory design, precision machining, and employee training. Their expertise is considered vital for the intricate precision machining required for the iPhone 17’s numerous small components, where even minute deviations can lead to quality control failures.Despite these challenges, the Indian government remains optimistic. Sources indicate that the return of chinese technical staff to China will not impede the iPhone 17’s production timeline. Apple is reportedly proceeding with its production scaling plans as scheduled,with efforts underway to address any potential import bottlenecks for machinery and other essential equipment.
