In 2024, the total sell-in for iPhones in India was 12 million, per IDC data. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Apple Inc’s plan to expand the production of iPhones in India does not significantly impact semiconductor company Qualcomm’s India business, a top official said.
“Only one per cent of all the devices Apple is manufacturing in India is sold in India. Everything else is exported. So their expansion is focused on the export market,” said Vinosh James, Director of Technical Standards at Qualcomm.
During the latest quarterly result, Apple’s CEO had confirmed that majority of the iPhones sold in the US will be sourced from India. In 2024, the total sell-in for iPhones in India was 12 million, per IDC data. Apple is producing 40-45 million iPhones in India for both local consumption and exports, which amounted to 18-20 per cent of its global shipments in 2024.
Ideally, this should mean confirmed benefits for Apple’s partners as well. However, Qualcomm’s response to the news was lukewarm with James saying, “Apple is one of our customers. We have probably double-digit more customers elsewhere. It’s not the customer. But, as long as a business engagement remains, it will take things further.”
Apple’s iPhones currently use a Qualcomm modem. In February, the company reportedly announced its own app processor, which reduces Apple’s reliance on other companies like Qualcomm.
Published on May 4, 2025