Apple has reportedly begun trial production of its upcoming iPhone 17 in India, marking another step in the company’s efforts to diversify its manufacturing footprint beyond China.

Foxconn, Apple’s largest contract manufacturer, has started assembling early units of the iPhone 17 at its facility in South India, according to The Economic Times. 

Components for the device, including display assemblies and camera modules, have already been imported from China in limited quantities.

Full-scale mass production is expected to begin in August, ahead of the device’s anticipated September launch.

This move is part of Apple’s strategy to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing amid ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions.

It also reflects Apple’s growing investment in India as both a production hub and a key consumer market.

The company is reportedly planning to manufacture the base iPhone 17 model simultaneously in India and China, replicating its iPhone 16 production strategy.

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air which is rumoured to be Apple’s thinnest phone yet and a replacement for the iPhone 16 Plus.

Meanwhile, speculation is swirling that Apple may rebrand the iPhone line to align with its new OS 26 software naming convention. Whether the iPhone 17 becomes the ‘iPhone 26’ remains to be seen.