Date: May 25, 2025
Author: Avinash Chauhan
Recently, an interesting conversation has been making headlines involving former U.S. President Donald Trump and Apple CEO Tim Cook. The topic? Where Apple really assembles its iPhones — and the implications of those production choices.
During a public appearance, Donald Trump claimed that Apple does not assemble iPhones in India. According to him, India only takes care of iPhones, possibly referring to after-sales services or customer support. His statement raised eyebrows, especially considering Apple's significant investment in Indian manufacturing in recent years.
On the other hand, Tim Cook, standing firm in front of Trump himself, clearly stated that Apple does assemble iPhones in India. This isn’t a new development either — Apple has been assembling select iPhone models in India since as early as 2017, and has significantly ramped up production since then. Major suppliers like Foxconn and Wistron have opened plants in Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, contributing to Apple's global supply chain.
Despite this, Trump’s skepticism doesn’t end there. He also criticized Apple’s production practices by pointing to the tariffs placed on iPhones imported into the United States. These tariffs were introduced during his administration as part of a broader strategy to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Trump believes that such measures are necessary to reduce America’s dependence on foreign manufacturing and to boost local industry.
What’s the Real Story?
The truth lies somewhere in between. Apple does assemble iPhones in India, especially for local and export markets. However, not all models are made there, and a significant portion of the global iPhone supply still comes from China and other countries. Apple's strategy is to diversify its production to reduce risk and ensure smoother operations globally.
Meanwhile, the U.S. tariffs remain a point of tension. While they aim to encourage domestic manufacturing, they also increase the cost of imported devices — potentially making iPhones more expensive for American consumers.
Conclusion
This latest clash between Donald Trump and Tim Cook isn’t just about iPhones. It reflects larger themes: globalization vs. nationalism, manufacturing strategies, and how global tech giants navigate international politics. While Apple continues to expand its footprint in India, debates about where products should be made are far from over.
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