Apple is on track to create up to 6 lakh jobs in India by the end of the fiscal year 2025, according to a recent report by The Economic Times. This substantial increase in job creation is attributed to the company’s expanding operations and growing investment in the country.
The tech giant’s direct workforce in India is projected to reach 200,000 by March 2025, with women making up approximately 70% of these roles. The expansion of Apple’s operations is significantly bolstered by its major contract manufacturers—Foxconn, Wistron (now Tata Electronics), and Pegatron—which have already created 80,872 direct jobs. Additionally, key suppliers such as Tata Group, Salcomp, Motherson, Foxlink, Sunwoda, ATL, and Jabil have collectively generated around 84,000 direct jobs.
Since the inception of the smartphone Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in 2020, Apple and its partners have contributed approximately 165,000 direct jobs. This figure surpasses the initial target of 200,000 jobs over five years, which was achieved in just four years, highlighting the effectiveness of the scheme and Apple’s pivotal role in driving employment.
The government estimates that each direct job in the electronics sector generates about three indirect jobs. Consequently, Apple’s expansion is expected to contribute between 500,000 and 600,000 total jobs by the end of the fiscal year.
Apple has effectively replicated its successful operational model from China in India, setting up a robust supply chain and manufacturing base. The Tata Group’s new facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, is set to hire around 50,000 employees as it begins iPhone production this October. This plant will scale up its capacity in phases, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s role as a critical hub for Apple’s operations.
By the end of the target period, nearly 90,000 of the projected 200,000 direct jobs are expected to be in Tamil Nadu, stemming from iPhone and component manufacturing factories located in the state.
Since starting iPhone manufacturing in India in 2021, Apple has significantly increased its production capacity. The company’s iPhone production in India for FY24 reached Rs 1.20 lakh crore, with exports amounting to Rs 85,000 crore. This growth has positioned India as an essential part of Apple’s global supply chain, contributing around 14% to the company’s total production.
To support its growing workforce, Apple’s vendors and suppliers are investing in infrastructure such as housing complexes, especially in Tamil Nadu. A recent facility in Sriperumbudur, costing Rs 706.5 crore, will provide accommodation for around 18,720 workers, predominantly women. Further housing projects are planned through public-private partnerships to support the expanding workforce.
Apple’s continued investment in India not only boosts local employment but also reinforces the country’s position as a crucial player in the global technology supply chain.