Apple is facing hurdles in boosting its manufacturing output in India, according to reports from the Financial Times. A troubling detail emerges: roughly half of the iPhone cases produced in one Indian facility fail to meet the standards required for shipment to Foxconn for subsequent assembly. This quality gap could ripple through the supply chain, impacting overall production timelines.
Sources indicate that only about 50 percent of the cases manufactured at the Tata Group facility satisfy the specifications needed to move forward in Foxconn’s assembly process. The discrepancy points to quality control gaps that must be addressed to unlock fuller production capacity.
The broader push to expand manufacturing in India is progressing more slowly than hoped, with bottlenecks rooted in logistics, tariff regimes, and underdeveloped infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Apple remains committed to relocating a substantial portion of iPhone production to India by 2027, aiming for roughly half of its output to come from the country in the mid-to-late decade timeframe.
Analysts warn that the timing of the iPhone 15 launch in India could be jeopardized if the company cannot stabilize the quality of Indian-made components and streamline its supply chain. A reliable, scalable production line is essential to meet domestic demand while maintaining harmony with global release schedules.
There was also a controversial claim in circulation that Apple employed tactics to push iPhone 15 buyers toward branded USB-C cables, a point that has generated debate about vendor involvement and accessory practices in the market. While the specifics vary by report, the overarching theme remains that accessory ecosystems can influence consumer choices and perceived value at the point of sale.
Industry observers emphasize that achieving the India production target requires not only manufacturing capacity but also a robust supplier network, disciplined quality management, and investment in local logistics. Success hinges on resolving case quality issues, ensuring consistent supplier performance, and clearing tariff and freight hurdles that can slow timelines. If these areas are addressed effectively, Apple could realize a significant portion of its international production strategy within the next few years, strengthening its regional footprint while supporting economic goals in India and neighboring markets.