Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Apple Signals Broader India Manufacturing Plans Beyond iPhones
India has introduced a large program to strengthen electronics manufacturing.
The program currently focuses on making mobile phones and supporting Indian-owned phone brands.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Apple may also make MacBooks and iPads in India, in addition to iPhones.
This was an indication rather than a confirmed production announcement.
The government wants more parts, designs, and technology to be developed inside India.
It also hopes three Indian phone companies can become stronger competitors within the next 10 to 14 months.
Indian brands must own their intellectual property and conduct design and research in India.
Companies that meet the rules may receive financial incentives.
Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated Apple could make MacBooks and iPads in India.
The ₹62,500-crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme will run from FY2026-27 through FY2030-31.
The scheme aims to increase domestic value addition, product design, research and development, and component production.
Three Indian companies have been identified as potential smartphone players over the next 10 to 14 months.
Eligible Indian brands can receive a 5% base incentive, an additional 3% R&D incentive, and up to 1.5% for domestic component sourcing.
- Who
- Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Apple, Indian electronics manufacturers, and prospective Indian smartphone brands.
- What
- India launched the ₹62,500-crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme, while Vaishnaw indicated Apple could expand production to MacBooks and iPads.
- When
- The announcement was made on Friday; the scheme will operate from FY2026-27 through FY2030-31.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The scheme is intended to increase domestic value addition, strengthen design and R&D, improve component production, and support Indian-owned mobile brands.
- Scheme name
- Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS)
- Total allocation
- ₹62,500 crore
- Duration
- Five years, from FY2026-27 through FY2030-31
- Potential Apple products
- MacBooks and iPads, in addition to iPhones
- Indian brand ownership requirement
- More than 51% ownership by Indian citizens
- Incentives
- 5% base incentive, an additional 3% for domestic design and R&D, and up to 1.5% for domestic component sourcing
- Potential Indian smartphone companies
- Three companies are expected to emerge as potential players over the next 10 to 14 months