Trump to Apple: 'Don't Build in India'—Pushes for US iPhone Manufacturing

To satisfy American demand, Apple is dramatically increasing production of the Pro variants of its upcoming iPhone 17 series in India this year.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's concerns about Apple's growing manufacturing presence in India, the move underscores the nation's growing role in the tech giant's global supply chain strategy and indicates that the company's expansion plans remain unchanged.

According to a media report, Apple intends to source the majority of the US iPhone demand from India, and the US has one of the largest demand for iPhone Pro models, so the scale-up of the Pro models of the forthcoming iPhone 17 series will take place this year. The scale-up is also a result of India's growing demand for Pro models.

Foxconn, Apple's biggest contract manufacturing partner in India, will increase production of the iPhone 17 Pro model, the source claimed. While Tata Electronics is also engaged in the trial manufacture of components like casings for the new lineup, Foxconn has begun producing the iPhone 17 series in India.

Last year, Apple started producing high-end iPhone Pro models at its Foxconn facility in Sriperumbudur. In contrast to the mid-twenties in India, where 50–60% of all iPhone demand is for Pro versions, another source stated that this percentage is also anticipated to increase in 2025.

Apple Standing Firm on its Decision

According to a media report, Apple's plans for development in India also state that the company's policy has not changed in spite of comments made by US President Donald Trump that criticised it.

Additionally, the business maintains constant communication with the Indian government, assuring it of its ongoing dedication to India as a significant manufacturing hub. The expansion is expected to continue this year, according to the study.

Since India is one of the key markets, Apple's investment ambitions there have not changed. Speaking to Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc., on May 15 in Doha, Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that unless it is expressly for that market, there is no reason to establish plants in India.

Trump’s Advice to Tim Cook

After speaking with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Doha, Trump informed him that his administration has no interest in Apple constructing in India and that they can handle themselves. Trump went on to say that he and Tim Cook had a minor disagreement yesterday. "I am treating you very well," he added to his friend Cook.

Trump further stated, “I've heard that you're building all over India with the $500 billion you're coming up with. You shouldn't construct in India, in my opinion. Since India has some of the highest tariffs in the world, it is very difficult to sell there, but if you want to take care of the country, you may build there."

Trump added that India has made the United States an offer in which they essentially agree to charge America no tariffs at all.

Apple is being treated quite well by the US government, which has tolerated all of its Chinese plants for many years. The US government currently opposes Apple's decision to produce in India. India is capable of taking care of itself.