Apple has reportedly chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones—equivalent to 1.5 million units—from India to the United States, as the tech giant accelerates production in India to counter potential tariff hikes, according to a Reuters report.
The move comes amid concerns that iPhone prices in the US could rise due to Apple’s heavy reliance on Chinese imports. Under the latest trade policies, imports from China face a steep 125% tariff, compared to 26% on Indian imports. While the US has currently paused additional tariffs for 90 days—excluding China—Apple is proactively shifting production to mitigate future risks.
Since March, six cargo jets, each with a 100-ton capacity, have transported the devices, with packaged iPhones weighing about 350 grams each. Apple has also lobbied Indian airport authorities to expedite customs clearance at Chennai airport, reducing the process from 30 hours to just six.
To meet growing demand, Apple's supplier Foxconn has increased production at its Chennai plant, now operating even on Sundays. The facility, which manufactured 20 million iPhones last year, including the latest iPhone 15 and 16 models, is playing a crucial role in Apple's global supply chain shift.
According to Counterpoint Research, nearly 20% of Apple’s iPhone imports to the US now originate from India, a significant increase as the company diversifies its manufacturing away from China. Apple currently sells over 220 million iPhones annually worldwide.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has instructed officials to support Apple’s expansion, further solidifying India’s position as a key manufacturing hub for the company.
