Apple’s iPhone Exports from India Reach New Heights

Apple’s impressive achievement of exporting $6 billion worth of iPhones from India during the April-June 2025 quarter signifies an 82 percent growth compared to the same period last year, as reported by Business Standard, which cited data from vendors shared with the government. This landmark quarter, Q1FY26, is not only Apple’s most successful in India but also marks the highest-ever quarterly smartphone export figure for the nation. In the corresponding quarter last year, Apple exported $3.2 billion worth of devices.

As a result of Apple’s robust performance, India’s overall smartphone exports surged by 58 percent year-on-year, reaching $7.72 billion in Q1FY26, up from $4.9 billion in Q1FY25. Remarkably, Apple accounted for nearly 78 percent of these shipments, while Samsung contributed 12 percent. Padget Electronics, a subsidiary of Dixon Technologies, along with other players, collectively made up the remaining 10 percent, with Padget’s exports valued at $175 million for the quarter.

Impact of the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme on Exports

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, initiated in 2020, has played a crucial role in bolstering India’s export growth. Smartphone exports were merely $3.1 billion in FY21, escalating to $24.1 billion in FY25, largely with Apple’s contribution of $17.5 billion. As of Q1FY26, exports have already amassed $7.72 billion, setting India on course for another record-breaking year. Apple’s primary vendors are currently in the final stages of their PLI term, while Samsung concluded its tenure in March 2025.

Smartphones Rise to the Top of India’s Export Categories

In FY15, smartphones were ranked 167th in India’s export hierarchy according to the Harmonised System code. By FY25, however, they emerged as the country’s leading export category, primarily driven by foreign investments, policy incentives, and increasing global demand. Overall electronics exports grew by 48 percent year-on-year in Q1FY26, reaching $12.4 billion, with smartphones making up 62 percent of this figure, up from 58 percent the previous year.

Challenges Ahead for India’s Export Growth

Despite the positive outlook, potential US import tariffs may pose challenges to the growth trajectory. The US government is currently reviewing Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which permits tariffs on national security grounds, with a report anticipated by 14 August. Following $24 billion in smartphone exports in FY25 and a record-breaking start to FY26, India’s status as a global smartphone manufacturing hub continues to strengthen.