Apple has shipped about 1.5 million iPhones from India to the United States in recent weeks in a strategic move to avoid high U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, Reuters reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, Apple chartered six cargo planes, each capable of carrying 100 tons, to transport a total of roughly 600 tons of iPhones. This large-scale shipment is part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen inventory in the U.S., one of its key markets.
The shipments come amid increasing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Apple is working to shield itself from a steep 125% tariff on imports from China, compared to just 26% on Indian goods. This lower rate has been temporarily paused for 90 days for countries other than China, following a recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“They wanted to beat the tariff,” one source told Reuters.
To speed up the process, Apple arranged for faster customs clearance at Chennai airport in Tamil Nadu. The company secured a special “green corridor” that cut processing times from 30 hours down to just six. This streamlined process is similar to the model Apple already uses at some airports in China.
The effort to move more phones out of India also aligns with Apple’s ongoing strategy to expand its manufacturing footprint in the country. The report noted that Apple is pushing for a 20% increase in iPhone production by hiring more workers and running operations on Sundays at its largest Indian plant, operated by Foxconn.
Located in Chennai, this factory produced 20 million iPhones last year, including iPhone 15 and 16 models. Traditionally closed on Sundays, the facility is now operating seven days a week to meet Apple’s ambitious targets.
As part of its broader manufacturing shift, Apple is reducing its dependence on China. In India, its main partners—Foxconn and Tata—already manage three production facilities, with two more currently under construction. This expansion signals Apple’s intention to make India a central hub for future iPhone production.
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