Apple is gearing up for a major leap in its iconic iPhone lineup, with a special 20th-anniversary iPhone and foldable iPhones reportedly in the pipeline. However, contrary to growing expectations around Apple’s India manufacturing push, these groundbreaking devices are expected to be produced in China.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is unlikely to manufacture its highly anticipated foldable iPhone and the anniversary iPhone in India. Despite India’s growing role in iPhone production, the complexity and novelty of these future devices will keep their manufacturing in China, at least for the foreseeable future.
Apple’s 20th Anniversary iPhone and Foldable Model: What to Expect
As Apple approaches the 20-year milestone of its iPhone lineup, the company is reportedly planning a radical design overhaul. According to Gurman, the anniversary edition iPhone will feature a bold new Pro model with a glass-heavy design and premium finish. This device is expected to sit at the top of Apple’s pricing tier, possibly becoming one of the most expensive iPhones ever.
In addition to the commemorative model, Apple is also rumoured to introduce its first foldable iPhone. Both of these next-generation devices will require brand-new components, unique materials, and advanced manufacturing methods, making them more complex than any iPhone produced to date.
Why Manufacturing Will Remain in China
In his recent “Power On” newsletter, Gurman emphasized that Apple has never launched a major hardware redesign outside of China on its first attempt. Despite significant strides in India’s production capabilities, Apple still relies on its Chinese manufacturing partners, who possess the technical infrastructure, labour expertise, and rapid scalability needed for pioneering products.
“While Apple’s manufacturing in India has reached parity with China in terms of current iPhone quality, the 20th anniversary models are extraordinarily complex,” Gurman said. He noted that these phones will require a completely new production approach, which is currently more feasible in China.
This means that, by 2027, when these models are expected to launch, India won’t be a viable production site for the initial rollout.
India’s Expanding Role in iPhone Manufacturing
Despite the exclusion from manufacturing these advanced models, India continues to gain momentum as a global iPhone production hub. In the 12 months ending March 2025, Apple assembled iPhones worth $22 billion (approx. ₹1.88 lakh crore) in India—marking a nearly 60% increase year-over-year.
Apple has been working closely with partners like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron to scale its India operations, aiming to manufacture a substantial portion of US-bound iPhones locally by the end of the decade.
Tariff Implications and Pricing Outlook
If Apple continues to rely on China for producing its anniversary and foldable models, these phones could be subject to additional US tariffs. This may further inflate their already premium price tags. Given the focus on high-end materials and new form factors, consumers should expect these iPhones to be among the most expensive in Apple’s history.
Conclusion
While India is fast becoming a vital iPhone assembly hub, the production of Apple’s most complex and innovative devices—the 20th Anniversary iPhone and the foldable model—will likely remain in China. According to Mark Gurman, these models will require next-gen manufacturing technologies that aren’t yet feasible outside China. However, Apple’s broader strategy still includes expanding India’s role in standard iPhone manufacturing for global markets.
