Apple has taken another major step in strengthening its manufacturing presence in India as part of its global strategy to reduce dependence on China. At its new iPhone assembly plant operated by Foxconn near Bengaluru, the company has hired around 30,000 employees in just 8–9 months—marking the fastest workforce ramp-up ever seen at an Indian factory.
What stands out most is that nearly 80 percent of the workforce at this facility consists of women, most of whom are first-time job holders.
India’s largest iPhone manufacturing hub near Bengaluru
Foxconn’s new iPhone plant is located in Devanahalli, Karnataka, and spans nearly 300 acres. Trial production of the iPhone 16 began at the facility around April–May, and it is now manufacturing the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Sources indicate that more than 80 percent of the iPhones produced here are exported overseas.
Once fully operational, this unit is expected to become India’s largest iPhone factory in terms of both production capacity and employment generation.
Women-led workforce sets a new benchmark
The most defining feature of this factory is its women-led workforce. Around 80 percent of employees are women, largely aged between 19 and 24 years. Many of them have migrated from different districts of Karnataka and neighbouring states for this opportunity.
To support the workforce, Foxconn has constructed six large dormitories, several of which are already functional, providing safe accommodation close to the factory premises.
Salary, facilities, and mini-township plans
According to sources, women workers earn an average monthly salary of approximately ₹18,000, which is considered competitive for blue-collar manufacturing jobs. In addition to wages, employees receive free accommodation and subsidised meals.
Foxconn also plans to develop the area into a mini township in the future, with residential facilities, medical services, schools, and recreational spaces—aimed at supporting long-term employment and community living.
India’s growing role in Apple’s global supply chain
Apple has been steadily expanding iPhone production outside China, and India has emerged as a key manufacturing base. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme introduced in 2021 has played a crucial role in accelerating this shift.
Today, all major iPhone models are manufactured in India and exported globally. Apple’s Indian supply chain now includes around 45 companies, including domestic manufacturers and sub-assembly units.
Investment and employment at record levels
Foxconn is investing nearly ₹20,000 crore in this project. Once fully completed, the facility is expected to employ up to 50,000 workers. The production floor alone is estimated to cover about 250,000 square feet.
Government officials view this factory as a major success story under the Make in India initiative and a significant step toward increasing the contribution of manufacturing to India’s GDP.
