Apple has started iPhone production at a new Tata Electronics plant in Tamil Nadu, India, as it shifts manufacturing to India amid US-China trade tensions, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing sources.
The Tata plant recently began making older iPhone models on one assembly line, the report said.
The iPhone maker will also begin shipments from a Foxconn (TPE:2317) facility in Bengaluru, India, in May. It is expected to produce iPhone 16 and 16e models, Reuters said. The facility, once fully completed by December 2027, is projected to create 50,000 jobs.
Apple is accelerating its manufacturing base in India to reduce dependence on China, which currently accounts for over 75% of global iPhone production, the report said, citing Counterpoint estimates. India contributes around 18%, according to the report.
Tata declined Reuters' request for comment, while Apple and Foxconn did not immediately respond.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)