Foxconn expands in India: Now making iPhone casings locally for the first time, says report

Foxconn is taking another big step in strengthening its role within Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem in India. 

After years of focusing primarily on iPhone assembly, the Taiwanese tech manufacturing giant is now moving up the value chain — by producing metal iPhone casings locally for the first time.

According to The Economic Times, Foxconn is setting up a new production unit dedicated to iPhone casings at the ESR Industrial Park in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. 

What is a phone casing?

A phone casing, also known as a phone body or "housing", is the external shell or enclosure that protects the internal components of a mobile phone.

It’s the first line of defense against drops, scratches, dust, and sometimes water. A phone casing may be made of metal, plastic, glass, ceramic or carbon fibre.

It also contributes to the phone’s aesthetics, feel, and durability.

Adding new layer

This move adds a new layer to Foxconn’s existing operations in India, which until now have included assembling iPhones at Sriperumbudur, assembling AirPods in Hyderabad, and planning a major iPhone factory near Bengaluru.

So far, only Tata Electronics has been producing iPhone enclosures in India. 

Tata recently emerged as a key Apple partner for repairs of both iPhones and MacBooks in the country, as per 9to5Mac.

With Foxconn entering this space, Apple gains another local supplier, reinforcing its “Make in India” efforts and diversifying its global supply chain.

Value added

Though iPhone casings account for just 2–3% of the device’s total cost, Foxconn’s foray into casing production nudges up the local value-add in India — though only slightly. 

Neil Shah of Counterpoint Research estimates that Foxconn’s India-based value contribution will still remain under 10% for now. Nevertheless, this is a step in the right direction, especially given Apple’s broader shift to reduce dependence on China.

Construction of the new casing unit is already underway, as per 9to5Mac. 

Interestingly, it’s located in the same industrial park as another new Foxconn facility that will handle display module assembly — showing a coordinated strategy to cluster key iPhone components in one geographical area.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump recently posted on Truth Social, criticising Apple’s overseas manufacturing. 

In a post that targeted Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump demanded that iPhones sold in the US be made domestically — in America — or face a 25% tariff.

“I expect their iPhones… will be manufactured in the United States, not India or anywhere else. If not, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid,” Trump posted.

Global supply 

Despite the political noise, Apple and Foxconn appear committed to India. 

With new investments in enclosures, display modules, and complete device assembly, Apple is clearly embedding India deeper into its global supply strategy. 

Whether tariffs or politics shift the picture remains to be seen — but for now, the expansion continues full steam ahead.