Apple’s shift away from China just took another big step forward. In a significant move to diversify its supply chain and reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing, iPhone assembler Foxconn has begun construction on its first iPhone casing plant in India.
A new facility is being planned at the ESR Industrial Park in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu, where it will manufacture metal enclosures (chassis) for the iconic iPhone. This place is just a short distance from Foxconn’s upcoming display module plant and is also expected to supply Apple.
This development further strengthens Foxconn’s growing presence in India, complementing its current operations —iPhone assembly in Sriperumbudur, AirPods production in Hyderabad, and an upcoming large-scale iPhone manufacturing facility near Bengaluru.
New Innings for Foxconn
Up until now, Tata Electronics, another key Apple supplier, has held the exclusive rights to make these metal casings at its Hosur facility in Tamil Nadu in India. By entering the market, Foxconn becomes the second company manufacturing this crucial component locally.
This expansion brings key parts of iPhone production—casings, displays, and final assembly—closer together in India. Industry experts view this move as both economically smart and strategically important, helping Apple sidestep trade hurdles and minimize risks in its supply chain.
“This aligns well with Apple’s broader strategy to de-risk and diversify its supply chain. As India emerges as a linchpin in Apple’s growth momentum — with early signs of an end-to-end manufacturing ecosystem taking shape — it is a natural progression for Foxconn to expand its capabilities and geographic presence by manufacturing enclosures,” said Prabhu Ram, Vice President, Industry Research Group, CyberMedia Research.
While metal casings account for only 2–3% of the total iPhone production value, producing them locally has strategic value. It helps reduce costs, avoid future tariffs, and strengthens India’s role in Apple’s global operations, thereby reducing reliance on China.
With global politics reshaping supply chains and tariff risks rising, Apple and its key suppliers like Foxconn are turning to India not just as a backup, but as a cornerstone for their long-term growth strategy. This signals a deeper transformation in Apple’s China?dependent supply chain, further empowered by “Make in India.”
