India’s iPhone Export Growth Hits 82% in Q1: Report

Apple Inc. has achieved a significant milestone by exporting $6 billion worth of iPhones from India in the April-June 2025 quarter. This represents an impressive 82 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data shared by vendors with the government and reported by Business Standard. In Q1FY25, exports were only $3.2 billion, making this year's first quarter not just Apple's best but also India's highest-ever for smartphone exports.

India's smartphone export landscape has been transformed by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which began in 2020. In FY21, smartphone exports were valued at just $3.1 billion. By FY25, they had soared to $24.1 billion, with Apple contributing a substantial $17.5 billion. Now, in Q1FY26 alone, India has already surpassed $7.72 billion in exports, setting the stage for new annual records.

Smartphone Exports Reach New Heights

India's total smartphone exports have surged by 58 percent, reaching $7.72 billion in Q1FY26 compared to $4.9 billion in the same quarter last year. Apple played a pivotal role in this growth, accounting for nearly 78 percent of these exports.

The remarkable performance of Apple's exports is a significant boost for India's electronics sector; however, its long-term sustainability remains uncertain. The US government is currently examining Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which permits the President to impose import tariffs on national security grounds. A report on this matter is anticipated by August 14.

Electronics Exports Surge

India's overall electronics exports experienced robust growth, reaching $12.4 billion in Q1FY26-a 48 percent increase from $8.4 billion in Q1FY25. Smartphones contributed significantly to this surge, accounting for 62 percent of total electronics exports during the quarter, up from 58 percent last year.

This rapid growth indicates that India's transition from assembly-based manufacturing to value-added electronics production is progressing well. The shift has been supported by rising foreign investment and manufacturing incentives.

Smartphones: India's Leading Export

In FY15, smartphones were ranked 167th on India's export list based on Harmonised System (HS) code classifications. By FY25, they had become India's top export item due to increasing foreign investment and strong global demand.

Business Standard highlighted that Apple's three main vendors are currently in their final year under the PLI scheme while Samsung completed its term in March 2025.

The ongoing success of India's smartphone export story underscores its growing importance within global markets and highlights how strategic initiatives like PLI can drive economic transformation.

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