India’s smartphone exports have reached an all-time high, driven largely by Apple’s stellar performance. According to a Business Standard report, Apple exported $6 billion worth of iPhones from India in the April–June 2025 quarter (Q1FY26), marking an 82% jump compared to $3.2 billion in the same quarter last year.
This surge not only marks Apple’s best quarter yet but also makes Q1FY26 India’s highest-ever smartphone export quarter.
📈 Smartphone Exports Hit $7.72 Billion
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India’s total smartphone exports in Q1FY26 rose 58% YoY, from $4.9 billion to $7.72 billion.
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Apple alone contributed 78% of these exports.
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Samsung accounted for 12%, while Padget Electronics and others shared the remaining 10%.
US Tariff Threat Looms Over Growth
The record exports come amid looming US tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. A final report on potential import duties is expected by August 14, which could impact Apple’s momentum.
🏭 PLI Scheme Powers India’s Electronics Boom
India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2020, has transformed its smartphone industry:
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FY21: $3.1 billion exports
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FY25: $24.1 billion exports (Apple: $17.5 billion)
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Q1FY26 alone: $7.72 billion, setting India up for a new annual record.
🔧 From Rank 167 to No. 1 Export
In FY15, smartphones ranked 167th among India’s exports. By FY25, they became India’s top export item by HS code, showcasing the shift from basic assembly to value-added electronics manufacturing.
🌐 Electronics Exports Surge
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Total electronics exports in Q1FY26: $12.4 billion (up 48% YoY)
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Smartphones contributed 62% of this growth (vs. 58% last year).
🔮 The Road Ahead
With smartphone exports exceeding $24 billion in FY25 and a record-breaking Q1FY26, India is fast emerging as a global smartphone manufacturing hub. However, trade headwinds like potential US tariffs could test this momentum.
(Inputs: Business Standard & Moneycontrol)
