Bengaluru, India – In a significant boost to India's manufacturing sector and a step towards gender diversity, Foxconn's new iPhone assembly plant in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, has rapidly scaled up its operations, employing nearly 30,000 workers within just eight to nine months. Approximately 80% of this workforce comprises women, primarily aged between 19 and 24, many of whom are entering the workforce for the first time.

This swift expansion marks one of the fastest factory ramp-ups in India's history and underscores Apple's commitment to diversifying its supply chain beyond China, with India emerging as a key manufacturing hub. The 300-acre facility is now assembling the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models, with over 80% of the output being exported. Trial production began in April-May of this year with the iPhone 16.

The plant is expected to employ up to 50,000 workers once it reaches peak capacity next year. To accommodate this growing workforce, Foxconn has constructed six large dormitories, several of which are already operational, with further construction underway. The Devanahalli facility is envisioned as a self-contained township, complete with residential facilities, medical services, schools, and entertainment spaces. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a supportive ecosystem for its predominantly female workforce.

Workers at the plant receive free accommodation and subsidized meals, earning an average monthly salary of around ₹18,000, which is among the highest for women in blue-collar manufacturing roles in India.

Foxconn is investing approximately ₹20,000 crore in this project, which is poised to become India's largest factory in terms of both production capacity and employment once fully operational. The facility is expected to house up to a dozen iPhone assembly lines, surpassing Foxconn's existing iPhone plant in Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka's Minister for Electronics, IT, and BT, Priyank Kharge, stated that the state government has set its sights on reaching a workforce of 50,000 by 2026. He also noted that the plant is responsible for over 80% of iPhone production intended for exports, solidifying Karnataka's position in the international electronics market.

This initiative aligns with Apple's strategy to increase iPhone production in India under the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, reducing dependence on China and strengthening India's role in its global supply chain. The rapid scale-up has been supported by the expansion of Apple's supplier network in India to nearly 45 companies.

New recruits undergo six weeks of on-the-job training before joining the production lines, with Apple and its supplier network closely involved in skills development.

While the fast-paced expansion highlights India's potential in iPhone manufacturing, some analysts point out the need for transparency regarding production targets and value-addition milestones tied to India's PLI scheme. They also note that while Apple's India network spans over 40 suppliers, key components like display assemblies and camera modules still come from China, indicating further opportunities for local firms.