India’s electronics manufacturing sector has reached a significant milestone, with iPhone exports touching ₹2 trillion in FY26, making them the country’s largest branded export. The surge highlights the rapid transformation of India into a global manufacturing hub for high-value electronics, driven largely by Apple’s expanding production base in the country.
The figure marks a record high and reflects the success of the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which has played a key role in attracting global supply chains to India. Over the past five years, iPhone exports have grown from negligible levels to a dominant position in India’s export basket.
Notably, iPhones have now emerged as the single largest branded export across all product categories tracked under global trade classifications, surpassing traditional export leaders such as petroleum products, diamonds, and pharmaceuticals.
Rapid Growth Fueled by PLI Scheme and Supply Chain Expansion:
The sharp rise in iPhone exports is closely linked to India’s PLI scheme for large-scale electronics manufacturing. Introduced to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, the scheme has incentivised companies like Apple and its suppliers to ramp up operations in India.
Export numbers tell the story of this growth. Shipments rose from around ₹9,300 crore in FY22 to over ₹44,000 crore in FY23, then doubled again to ₹85,000 crore in FY24, before crossing ₹1.5 trillion in FY25. In FY26, exports reached the ₹2 trillion mark, continuing the upward trajectory despite global economic uncertainties.
Industry estimates suggest that iPhones now account for more than 75% of India’s total smartphone exports, which stood at around ₹2.6 trillion during the financial year.
The growth has been supported by a strong manufacturing ecosystem involving global suppliers such as Foxconn and Tata Electronics, along with increasing localisation of components. The expansion has also generated significant employment, with Apple’s India supply chain reportedly employing around 250,000 people.
India Emerges as a Key Global Manufacturing Hub:
The rise of iPhone exports underscores a broader shift in global supply chains, with companies diversifying manufacturing away from traditional hubs like China. India has emerged as a preferred destination due to its large workforce, improving infrastructure, and supportive policy environment.
A significant portion of iPhones produced in India is exported to major markets such as the United States and Europe, reinforcing the country’s role in global trade.
The development also aligns with the government’s “Make in India” push, which aims to position the country as a leading manufacturing and export hub. Over the past decade, India’s electronics production and exports have grown rapidly, reflecting the success of these policy initiatives.
Experts believe that the momentum is likely to continue, with further investments expected in component manufacturing and supply chain integration. The government is also considering additional incentives to deepen local value addition and enhance competitiveness.
Industry Reactions and Social Media Buzz:
The milestone has generated significant buzz across industry circles and social media, with many highlighting its importance for India’s economic growth.
“India’s iPhone exports cross ₹2 trillion, a major manufacturing milestone”~Business Today
“Apple becomes India’s top branded export story”~ET Tech
“PLI scheme success visible in iPhone export surge”~Financial Express
“India emerging as global electronics hub with record exports”~Startup India
Analysts say the milestone reflects not just the success of a single company, but a broader shift in India’s industrial landscape. The rise of high-value exports like iPhones signals a move up the value chain, positioning India as a serious contender in global manufacturing.
As the PLI scheme concludes its current phase, the challenge will be to sustain this growth momentum and further expand India’s footprint in advanced electronics production. With strong demand, increasing investments, and policy support, the outlook for the sector remains positive.
