The most expensive phone call Tim Cook ever made might have been to his China manufacturing team. Because while Apple was busy perfecting supply chains in Shenzhen, a quiet revolution was brewing 2,000 miles southwest—one that just turned India into America's iPhone factory and insurance policy against trade volatility. What you need to know: Apple's Indian operations are projected to hit 60 million units this year, up from 35-40 million in 2024. Meanwhile, iPhone sales in India smashed Q1 records with over 3 million units shipped. Here's the kicker: exports from India reached $12.8 billion last year—a 42% jump that makes India Apple's second-largest iPhone producer globally and the strategic cornerstone of American supply chain security. What makes India Apple's new manufacturing powerhouse? Let's talk numbers that'll make any supply chain manager's head spin. India's smartphone manufacturing is expected to capture 20% of global output in 2025, with India recording double-digit...more
