Apple’s India units go Pro as iPhone turns 18

New Delhi: Apple's Indian iPhone factories are operating 24/7 to ensure the latest iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models reach markets globally as sales kick off on Friday. Chartered flights have departed from India, primarily from Chennai, carrying the new devices, with plans to increase capacity for production. Currently, Foxconn and Tata Electronics each manage a factory producing the Pro and Pro Max models, with the potential for nearly a dozen assembly lines to be added, contingent on demand.

Apple has flown large quantities of iPhones on chartered flights in the past week, with more trips likely to the US. This marks the first time Apple is selling Pro and Pro Max models on the same launch day, having previously launched the iPhone 17 range on the first day. However, Apple's first foldable phone, the Duo, remains outside of India's manufacturing scope.

Despite this, the availability of Pro and Pro Max models from the outset signifies the growth of the local manufacturing ecosystem. Up to 90% of the output is projected to be shipped abroad, with the remainder sold domestically. Although 15% of total iPhone sales in India involve the Pro and Pro Max models, a significant portion of local production will be directed overseas, impacting export figures for the September quarter.

Apple has not launched a base version of the iPhone this time, but an iPhone 18 is anticipated in the next year. Prices for existing models have been increased by over 20%, with the iPhone 17 starting at Rs 99,900, up from Rs 82,900 last year. The US has become India's largest destination for iPhone exports, with Apple exporting $7 billion worth of iPhones to the US in 2024, tripling to $19.2 billion in 2025.