Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhones may shift part of manufacturing from China to India

Apple is reportedly working on two special-edition iPhones for its 20th anniversary in 2027: a long-awaited foldable model and a Pro version featuring a distinctive glass-centric design, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Production may shift to India, potentially driving up costs, as these complex devices require advanced components and manufacturing processes that are hard to replicate outside China, the report claims.

Why it matters: This year’s rising US-China trade tensions and tariffs create uncertainty in Apple’s supply chain. Shifting production to India may reduce dependency on China but could raise costs and complicate manufacturing.

Details: Apple may plan to shift part of its production to India, but manufacturing costs there are 5%–10% higher than in China, Mark Gurman suggested. 

• Gurman said the 20th anniversary iPhone will make greater use of glass, combining the frame and back into a more unified design. The device is expected to have a futuristic look and represent a new milestone in aesthetics and technology.
• Apple has entered the trial production phase for its first foldable-screen device, with Foxconn handling assembly and Samsung providing the OLED panels, according to Chinese media outlet Jiwei. Mass production is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, lining up for a possible debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in September. The second-generation model, likely the 20th anniversary edition, is expected in September 2027.
• Apple is reportedly investing heavily in a new material that eliminates fold marks on its foldable iPhone, the Jiwei report said, citing sources from Korean media outlet ETNews.
• An industry analyst told TechNode that the complexity of foldable screens and glass designs makes it difficult for Apple to fully exit the Chinese supply chain, with India likely handling only final assembly.

Context: Apple’s smartphone shipments in China dropped 9% year-on-year in the first quarter, making it the only major brand to see a decline, according to data research firm IDC. 

• Apple shipped 9.8 million units in the first quarter, which gave it a 13.7% market share—down from 17.4% in the previous quarter. High pricing limited Apple’s ability to benefit from China’s new government subsidies, which favored electronics costing less than 6,000 yuan (around $820), impacting its competitiveness in China.