Apple is preparing for a major expansion in India by manufacturing its upcoming iPhone 17 series in the country. For the first time, Apple will make its most premium models,  the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, in India, along with the standard iPhone 17 and a new iPhone 17 Air.

According to Bloomberg, this move is part of Apple’s plan to reduce its heavy dependence on China, where most of its devices are currently assembled. The iPhones made in India will mainly be exported to the US, Apple’s biggest market. Production will be carried out in five factories, including two newly opened plants.

The upcoming iPhones will feature Apple’s latest technology. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to come with a 48MP telephoto camera for improved zoom, a faster A19 Pro chipset, new Apple Intelligence features, and a lighter aluminium alloy frame. The regular iPhone 17 will also see upgrades, such as a smoother 120Hz display and the new A19 chip. The iPhone 17 Air, which will replace the Plus model, will be slimmer at 5.5mm and feature a single rear camera, the A19 chip, and a 120Hz display. All iPhone 17 models will include a 24MP front camera.

This manufacturing push highlights Apple’s growing partnership with the Tata Group, which already plays a major role in its local operations. Tata’s new plant in Tamil Nadu and Foxconn’s expanded facility in Bengaluru will be crucial to the production. Reports suggest Tata’s factories could be responsible for almost half of India’s iPhone production within the next two years.

Apple’s decision comes amid global challenges, including rising tensions between the US and China and new trade tariffs. While the Trump administration recently imposed up to 50% tariffs on Indian goods, iPhones remain exempt. To further secure its position, Apple CEO Tim Cook has pledged $600 billion in investments in the US over the next four years.

The shift has already paid off. Between April and July, India exported $7.5 billion worth of iPhones, nearly half of last year’s total exports. According to Canalys, India has now overtaken China as the largest supplier of smartphones shipped to the US. This marks a turning point for Apple, as India grows into a central hub for the company’s global manufacturing strategy.