Apple iPhone Becomes India’s Top Export in 2025 as Shipments Touch $23 Billion

Smartphones Overtake Diesel Fuel as India’s Largest Export Category​

New Delhi, February 23: Apple’s iPhone has emerged as India’s most valuable export item in 2025, with shipments worth approximately $23 billion from domestic manufacturing facilities, largely destined for the United States, according to industry data.

For the first time, smartphones have become India’s top export category, overtaking automotive diesel fuel. During the January to December period, total smartphone exports reached $30.13 billion. Apple accounted for 76 percent of these exports, underscoring the company’s dominant role in India’s electronics export surge.

PLI Scheme and China Diversification Drive Export Growth​

The sharp rise in Apple exports has been supported by production incentives such as the Production-Linked Incentive scheme, alongside the company’s strategy to diversify its manufacturing base beyond China.

Apple’s five-year PLI window is scheduled to conclude in March 2026. Industry participants attribute the export momentum to this incentive structure, which has helped scale domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Expanding Manufacturing Footprint in India​

Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem in India now includes five iPhone assembly plants. Three are operated by entities of the Tata Group, while two are run by Foxconn. The broader supply chain supports around 45 companies, including numerous MSMEs that provide components for both domestic consumption and global exports.

India has also become the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer. More than 99 percent of phones sold in the domestic market are now manufactured locally, reflecting a shift up the manufacturing value chain.

Changing Consumer Trends Boost Premium Segment​

Domestic smartphone buying patterns are also evolving. The traditional dominance of budget devices is giving way to higher-value purchases. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s iPhone 16 base variant emerged as the top-selling smartphone model in 2025, signaling strong demand in the premium segment.

Record Revenues and India Expansion Plans​

During the December quarter, Apple recorded all-time revenue highs in the Americas, Europe, Japan, and the rest of Asia Pacific.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook stated during the recent earnings call that the company continued to gain momentum in emerging markets, including India, where it reported strong double-digit revenue growth.

He added that Apple set a quarterly revenue record in India during the December quarter. The company also achieved quarterly revenue records for iPhone, Mac, and iPad, along with an all-time revenue record for services.

Highlighting the country’s scale, Cook said India is the second-largest smartphone market in the world and the fourth-largest PC market.

As part of its retail expansion strategy, Apple is set to open another store in Mumbai on February 26, further strengthening its presence in one of its fastest-growing markets.