Tata Electronics becomes Apple’s largest manufacturing partner in India

Rapid hiring, strategic acquisitions, and expanding facilities help Tata Electronics surpass Foxconn in India, highlighting the country’s growing role in global iPhone production and the intensifying competition among contract manufacturers.

Tata Electronics has overtaken Foxconn to become Apple’s largest contract manufacturing partner in India by employee strength, marking a significant shift in the country’s electronics manufacturing landscape. According to a recent report, the company’s workforce has surged to nearly 75,000, reflecting an aggressive scale-up strategy within a short span.

This growth is particularly striking given that Tata Electronics had a workforce of just around 15,000 employees two years ago, when it entered into a partnership with Apple. The rapid expansion has been fuelled by its large manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, as well as the acquisition of Indian operations from global suppliers Wistron and Pegatron.

Rapid expansion driven by strategic investments

The company’s hiring push has been part of a broader effort to build the scale and expertise required to meet Apple’s stringent global manufacturing standards. By expanding across multiple locations, Tata Electronics has strengthened its operational footprint and positioned itself as a key player in iPhone assembly in India.

While the company currently leads in terms of workforce, competition remains intense. Foxconn is preparing to scale operations at its upcoming Devanahalli facility, which could potentially shift the balance again. Despite this, Tata’s swift rise stands out in an industry traditionally dominated by established players from East Asia.

India strengthens position in global supply chain

India’s role in Apple’s global manufacturing strategy continues to grow, with Tata Electronics and Foxconn serving as the primary production partners in the country. Tata now oversees operations previously managed by Wistron and Pegatron, handling significant iPhone assembly across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Having commenced operations only in 2020, Tata Electronics has quickly developed capabilities in high-volume, precision manufacturing. Industry observers note improvements in process efficiency, supplier coordination, and production scalability—key requirements for operating within Apple’s supply ecosystem.

However, experts believe the company’s next phase of growth will depend on moving beyond assembly. Greater focus on localisation, quality enhancement, and supply chain resilience will be critical. Tata Electronics is also exploring opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging to deepen its presence in the value chain.

Meanwhile, India is steadily emerging as a global electronics manufacturing hub, supported by policy incentives, a skilled workforce, and increasing localisation. Apple’s expanding footprint has played a central role in this transformation, with iPhones reportedly becoming the country’s largest export category in 2025, valued at around $23 billion, primarily destined for the United States.