Apple’s upcoming 20th-anniversary iPhone lineup is expected to showcase a significant design overhaul and introduce the company’s long-anticipated foldable smartphone.
Highlights
However, despite Apple’s expanding manufacturing presence in India, these high-end models are unlikely to be produced outside China, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reports that the anniversary edition iPhones—expected to launch in the second half of 2027—will feature advanced materials and complex designs that exceed the current capabilities of India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
While Apple’s India operations assembled devices worth $22 billion in the 12 months ending March 2024, the premium anniversary models are likely to remain exclusively within China’s production lines, at least for the foreseeable future.
The redesigned iPhone Pro is rumored to feature a predominantly glass-based body, while the foldable iPhone would mark Apple’s entry into a segment already occupied by competitors like Samsung.
Gurman notes that these devices will require new manufacturing techniques and components. Historically, Apple has debuted its major new designs in China, and this trend appears set to continue.
Although production quality in India has improved significantly for standard iPhone models, the specialized nature of the foldable and redesigned anniversary models poses additional challenges.
Gurman adds that Apple currently does not plan for any of the U.S.-bound 2027 anniversary models to originate from India.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone
Apple’s foldable iPhone is anticipated to launch in late 2026 or early 2027. According to reports, the device may feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen with a book-style folding mechanism.
When folded, the device is expected to measure between 9 to 9.5 mm in thickness and about 4.5 to 4.8 mm when unfolded. The casing is rumored to utilize titanium alloy, while the hinge construction will incorporate stainless steel and titanium for enhanced durability.
Notably, the foldable model might omit Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, optimizing internal space. It is also expected to position itself as a “true AI-driven phone,” using its larger displays to support advanced multitasking and AI-centric features.
Manufacturing Complexity and Continued Dependence on China
Despite Apple’s increasing investment in Indian manufacturing, the production of the foldable iPhone and the redesigned anniversary iPhone Pro models is expected to remain centered in China.
These devices involve highly intricate assembly processes and require specialized manufacturing expertise, which Chinese suppliers have built over years of collaboration with Apple.
Historically, the company has introduced its most complex devices from its Chinese manufacturing ecosystem, and this pattern is expected to continue for the 2027 lineup.
India’s Evolving Role in Apple’s Supply Chain
While the foldable and anniversary iPhones are unlikely to be produced in India in the near term, the country continues to play an expanding role in Apple’s global supply chain strategy.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Apple may initiate development of a future iPhone model outside of China for the first time with the iPhone 17 series.
Production for this model is expected to begin in India in the second half of 2024. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing footprint and mitigate regional concentration risks.
Additionally, Tata Group’s acquisition of Wistron’s iPhone assembly facility for $125 million further strengthens Apple’s manufacturing operations in India.
Consumer Expectations
The introduction of a foldable iPhone is expected to have a significant impact on the premium smartphone market.
With a projected price around $2,500, Apple’s foldable device would enter at the higher end of the market, potentially setting new standards for innovation, design, and user experience.
Consumer expectations are high as Apple prepares to enter the foldable segment, with anticipation for a device that delivers cutting-edge technology and the seamless user experience the brand is known for.
With production concentrated in China, the anniversary models could face additional import tariffs, potentially increasing their already premium price tags. These models may become among the most expensive iPhones ever released.
As Apple continues to expand its manufacturing investments in India, the company appears focused on balancing innovation demands with long-term diversification goals. For now, China remains central to the production of Apple’s most advanced hardware designs.
