Former US President Donald Trump pressured Apple CEO Tim Cook to halt iPhone manufacturing in India. However, Cook, choosing a path independent of US political maneuvering, reaffirmed his commitment to continued investment in India. The question remains—will Tim Cook now prioritize India over the White House? Let's explore Apple's next major strategy.
US President Donald Trump recently directly urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to manufacture iPhones in the US, not India. He argued that it was time to bring manufacturing back home. This statement, however, came at a time when Apple is rapidly strengthening its production infrastructure in India. The crucial question is: will Apple heed Trump's call or will its confidence in India remain steadfast? Let's delve into Apple's next move, based on insights from internal sources.
Apple's Confidence in India Remains Despite Trump's Pressure
While Donald Trump may wish Apple to withdraw from India, the tech giant's perspective differs. Sources indicate that following Trump and Cook's meeting, senior Apple executives reassured the Indian government that there would be no changes to its existing investment and manufacturing strategy.
Trump bluntly told Cook that Apple should cease manufacturing in India, stating that "India can take care of itself." This sharp statement not only stirred the India-US trade relationship but also ignited renewed discussion about Apple's "Make in India" policy.
Currently, the picture is clear—Apple will continue iPhone production in India. It remains to be seen whether this decision will clash with US politics or establish a new chapter in global business.
Trump's Claim, But Silence from the Indian Government
While advocating for halting iPhone production in India, Trump made another significant claim—that the Indian government is about to remove tariffs on US products. Trump believes that if tariffs are reduced, the need for US companies to manufacture in India will become obsolete.
Surprisingly, the Indian government has neither confirmed nor officially responded to Trump's statement. This raises questions—is this merely political rhetoric, or are there indeed internal discussions underway?
Apple's Stance Unchanged After Trump's Ultimatum
Despite Trump's firm stance, Apple's confidence in India remains unwavering. According to sources close to the company, Apple's investment plans in India will remain fully intact. Apple views India not merely as a large market but as a strategic hub for its global supply chain.
In 2024, Apple manufactured 40 to 45 million iPhones in India, representing 18-20% of its total global production. Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2025, iPhones worth $22 billion were manufactured in India—a 60% increase compared to the previous year.
Apple has already made it clear that it wants iPhones sold in the US to also be manufactured in India. The company views this as a "Make in India Moment." In line with this, Apple has further expanded its manufacturing capacity in India.
A significant portion of iPhones made in India is now directly exported to the US. According to a Financial Times report, annual iPhone production in India could reach 60 million units by 2026, nearly double the current output.
Moreover, India has become Apple's fourth-largest market. iPhone sales here have surpassed $10 billion. Furthermore, the Indian government's Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are also encouraging Apple to strengthen its roots further.
Considering these facts, it's safe to say that despite Trump's b ultimatum, India's importance in Apple's vision far outweighs it.
