Foxconn Pulls Chinese Engineers from India Before iPhone 17 Launch

Foxconn Recalls 300+ Chinese Engineers from India, Disrupting iPhone 17 Ramp-Up

Apple's top iPhone manufacturer, Foxconn, has reportedly pulled over 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its Indian facilities, according to Bloomberg. The move, which occurred over the past two months, is raising concerns about potential disruptions to iPhone 17 production, especially as Apple accelerates its shift away from China-based manufacturing.

These Chinese workers were key to setting up and overseeing production lines at Foxconn’s southern India plants. With only Taiwanese personnel remaining, operational efficiency may suffer during the crucial pre-launch phase of Apple's next-generation iPhone.

While no official explanation has been provided for the mass recall, Bloomberg earlier reported that Chinese authorities had verbally advised regulatory bodies to slow technology transfers and equipment exports to India and Southeast Asia—a move interpreted as a pushback against companies diversifying manufacturing beyond China.

Foxconn is currently building a major new iPhone plant in India, part of Apple’s broader effort to reduce reliance on Chinese production. However, experts warn that the abrupt loss of experienced Chinese engineers could delay Apple’s target of shifting most U.S.-bound iPhone production to India by 2026.

China’s broader strategy appears to involve restricting not only personnel movement but also high-end manufacturing equipment and expertise—both vital to advanced electronics production.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously emphasized the value of China’s skilled workforce, calling their expertise "irreplaceable" and essential for maintaining high production standards.

India, which now produces around 20% of the world’s iPhones, may face setbacks due to this talent vacuum just as it rises in global manufacturing prominence.