Apple Inc. exported $6 billion worth of iPhones from India in the April–June 2025 quarter, marking an impressive 82% jump compared to the same period last year, according to a report by Business Standard, citing data shared by vendors with the Indian government.
This surge makes Q1FY26 not only Apple’s best-performing quarter for Indian exports but also the highest-ever quarter for smartphone exports from the country. In comparison, exports in Q1FY25 stood at $3.2 billion, highlighting the rapid growth of India as a global smartphone manufacturing and export hub.
Smartphone Exports Hit a New High: $7.72 Billion
India’s total smartphone exports in Q1FY26 reached a record $7.72 billion, a 58% increase from $4.9 billion in the same quarter last year. Apple alone contributed nearly 78% of the total, underlining its dominant role in the sector and its deepening manufacturing footprint in India through its vendors, including Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron.
This performance marks a significant milestone for India’s electronics manufacturing ambitions under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, with Apple’s expansion widely seen as a validation of government efforts to attract high-end manufacturing.
Sustainability in Question Amid Global Trade Concerns
However, questions remain about the sustainability of this growth. The U.S. government is currently reviewing Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which empowers the President to impose import tariffs on grounds of national security. A report is expected by August 14, and the outcome could have implications for Apple’s global supply chain, including its India-based operations.
Analysts note that while Apple’s export boom is a win for India’s electronics ecosystem, it remains vulnerable to geopolitical shifts and policy changes in its key markets, especially the U.S.
As India continues to position itself as a manufacturing alternative to China, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this export momentum can be maintained amid evolving global trade dynamics.