Tata Electronics is set to double its iPhone casing production capacity at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu from 50,000 to 100,000 units per month. This expansion comes ahead of Apple’s September product launches, reinforcing India’s growing role in the tech giant’s global supply chain.
Key Highlights:
✔ Current Capacity: 50,000 iPhone enclosures/month (restored post-fire)
✔ New Target: 100,000 units/month (Phase II expansion)
✔ Timeline: Ramp-up before Apple’s 2025 iPhone launch
✔ Strategic Shift: Part of Apple’s push to reduce China dependence
Why This Expansion Matters for India?
1. Strengthening India’s Position in Apple’s Supply Chain
- Tim Cook confirmed that most iPhones sold in the US will soon be Made in India.
- Tata’s expansion supports Apple’s China+1 strategy amid US-China trade tensions.
2. Tata’s Growing Role in Apple Manufacturing
- Acquired Pegatron India (60% stake, 2025)
- Took over Wistron’s Karnataka plant (2024)
- Now doubling Hosur iPhone casing output
- Positions Tata as a key Apple supplier beyond assembly
3. Foxconn & Other Suppliers Also Scaling Up
- Foxconn building a mega factory in Bengaluru
- New Hyderabad plant for AirPods production
- Dixon, Salcomp also expanding operations
Challenges & Recovery from 2024 Fire
- A September 2024 fire disrupted initial expansion plans.
- Operations now back to pre-fire levels, with fresh investments underway.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s India Push
- ~20% of iPhones now Made in India (vs. <5% in 2021)
- Target: 25-30% of global iPhone production by 2027
- Exports: India-made iPhones shipped to US, EU, Middle East
What’s Next for Tata & Apple in India?
- Potential iPhone 17 assembly by Tata in 2026
- More component localisation (displays, batteries, semiconductors)
- New supplier ecosystem developing around Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
