Foxconn’s iPhone assembly plant near Bengaluru, India has reached a hiring milestone with close to 30,000 employees onboard in eight to nine months, a pace industry officials describe as the fastest workforce expansion by any factory in India’s electronics sector. The Devanahalli facility’s rapid growth reflects Apple’s evolving manufacturing strategy and India’s expanding role in the global iPhone supply chain.
Facility Expansion and Workforce Profile
The new factory, developed on a sprawling 300-acre site in Devanahalli, began trial production in the spring with older iPhone models before quickly transitioning to assembling current flagship devices including the iPhone 17 Pro Max. More than 80 % of the workforce consists of women, many aged 19–24 entering formal employment for the first time, according to multiple reports.
Apple’s partner Foxconn has moved from pilot assembly lines to large-scale production within a short timeframe. The rapid hiring and setup mirror India’s broader push to attract global electronics manufacturing through incentives and policy frameworks aimed at boosting local manufacturing.
Production and Export Footprint
The Devanahalli unit now produces a significant volume of iPhones. A majority of the devices assembled — more than 80 % — are exported to international markets, underscoring India’s emerging role not just as a production hub for domestic consumption but as a key node in Apple’s global export network.
Early operations included assembly of earlier iPhone models, followed by current series production. The facility’s output contributes to broader diversification away from China-centric manufacturing, a strategic priority for Apple amid geopolitical and supply-chain considerations.
Women-Led Workforce and Campus Development
What stands out at the Devanahalli site is the high proportion of female employees, approximately 80 %, many of whom are in their first salaried roles, pointing to expanding opportunities for women in manufacturing. The average monthly salary in the facility is reportedly around ₹18,000, positioning these roles among the higher-paying blue-collar jobs in the region.
To support workers, Foxconn is building residential and support infrastructure, giving the site characteristics of a self-contained campus. Multiple large dormitories are already operational to house employees, with plans to include healthcare centres, educational facilities, and recreational spaces to serve the workforce.
Shift in Apple’s Supply Chain Strategy
Foxconn’s rapid ramp in Bengaluru is part of Apple’s broader effort to diversify manufacturing beyond China, a shift that has gained momentum over the past few years. India has become an increasingly important hub for iPhone production — including assembly of high-end models — supported by local incentives and strategic policy support.
The facility’s expansion complements existing iPhone manufacturing in other parts of India, including earlier plants in Tamil Nadu and units operated by other partners. Together, these developments indicate a multi-pronged strategy to balance production capacity across regions and mitigate supply chain risks.
In hiring tens of thousands of workers in less than a year, the Devanahalli project illustrates how large-scale electronics manufacturing can create significant employment opportunities and reshuffle industrial landscapes. Beyond standard factory jobs, the scope of campus infrastructure investment is facilitating ancillary economic activity, from local services to logistics and support industries.
The demand for construction, transportation, and on-site worker support services adds to the economic activity surrounding the plant, potentially boosting regional development as the facility scales toward full capacity in the year ahead.
Ongoing Growth and Prospects
Foxconn expects employment at the Devanahalli site to continue rising in 2026, with projections that the workforce could reach up to 50,000 once the plant achieves full production capacity. The projected expansion aligns with Apple’s strategic goals to scale iPhone production and exports from India while maintaining quality and efficiency.
