Apple has shattered records under India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, with cumulative iPhone exports crossing the $50 billion mark as of December 2025. This achievement cements India’s position as a global hub for high-end smartphone manufacturing, with three months still remaining in the company’s five-year PLI window.

In the first nine months of FY26, iPhone exports reached approximately $16 billion, pushing the total shipments during the PLI period past the historic $50 billion threshold. To put this in perspective, Samsung exported devices worth roughly $17 billion during its entire five-year eligibility period (FY21–FY25).

Apple’s success is also visible in domestic sales. The iPhone 16 emerged as India’s highest-selling smartphone in the first 11 months of 2025, with 6.5 million units sold. According to Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 15 also maintained its position among the top five best-selling devices, allowing Apple to significantly outpace its Android rivals.

Apple currently operates five assembly plants in India:

• Three plants managed by Tata Group entities.
• Two plants operated by Foxconn.

These facilities are supported by a vast supply chain of around 45 companies, including many MSMEs providing components for both local and global markets. This robust infrastructure has transformed India into the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer, with over 99% of phones sold in the country now being “Made in India.”

The impact on India’s trade balance has been profound. In 2015, smartphones were ranked 167th among India’s export items. By FY25, they rose to become the single largest export category, with iPhones contributing about 75% of the total smartphone export value.

The smartphone PLI scheme is set to conclude in March 2026. While the government is exploring an extension, the current success has already moved India significantly up the manufacturing value chain. Additionally, Samsung is expected to further boost the ecosystem by establishing a display module sub-assembly unit, creating employment for approximately 300 people.

Key Highlights:

• $50 Billion Milestone: Apple’s iPhone exports from India crossed $50 billion by December 2025, significantly outpacing competitors like Samsung.
• Manufacturing Powerhouse: With five assembly plants and 45 supply chain partners, 99% of phones sold in India are now locally manufactured.
• Export Leadership: Smartphones are now India’s #1 export category, a massive jump from being ranked 167th just a decade ago.