India has eliminated import duties on several components crucial for smartphone manufacturing, a move poised to reduce costs for Apple's expanding operations in the country. The government has removed tariffs of 7.5% and 5% on inputs for wireless charging hardware, automotive and medical device screens, and lithium-ion battery cells. These exemptions will be in place until March 31, 2029.

The removal of duties on wireless charging components directly benefits Apple's MagSafe ecosystem. This change simplifies sourcing and domestic assembly for charging parts, potentially lowering production expenses for Apple's assembly partners in India. This development supports Apple's ongoing strategy to diversify iPhone manufacturing away from China.

Apple has significantly increased its production footprint in India, with assembly partners now producing approximately a quarter of all iPhones globally within the country. India is also manufacturing the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including Pro models, for the first time. Major assemblers like Foxconn have invested heavily in expanding their Indian facilities, with Foxconn pouring $1.5 billion into its operations. Tata Electronics has also become a significant manufacturing partner, working alongside Foxconn.