Bad news for iPhone users as more than 300 engineers return to China due to…

At a time when iPhone fans are eagerly waiting for the launch of iPhone 17, there are many reports that the production may take a hit. According to reports, Foxconn, the largest iPhone manufacturer, has recalled more than 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its Indian production plants. Foxconn’s decision may cause a major problem related to Apple’s operations, as Apple is speeding up preparations for the production of iPhone 17. It seems that Foxconn has taken this decision due to the ongoing tussle between the US and China over trade and tariffs.

More than 300 Chinese workers returned in two months

The report states that more than 300 Chinese workers have left Foxconn India’s iPhone assembly plant in the last two months. However, there is no clear information about why they have been suddenly called back.

Foxconn sets up new unit in Tamil Nadu

Taiwan’s Foxconn recently set up a new unit at ESR Industrial Park in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. Foxconn’s entry into the region shows that Apple is looking to diversify its supply chain in India, ET reported. In May, Foxconn invested $2.56 billion in its Devanahalli plant, which aims to produce 100,000 iPhones by December. The plant will prioritise housing for a predominantly female workforce, with dormitories for 30,000 employees.

Trump threatens Apple

Data shows that the value of iPhones shipped by Foxconn to the US from India in May 2025 was nearly $1 billion, the highest since the record $1.3 billion worth of devices shipped in March. However, US President Donald Trump opposes Apple’s entry into India and even threatened on May 23 that the company would have to pay a 25% tariff if phones sold in the US were not made in that country.

In April, the Indian government approved the Taiwanese company to build a semiconductor plant in northern India under a joint venture with HCL Group. The project will see an investment of Rs 37 crore (about $432 million) from the HCL-Foxconn joint venture.

India now accounts for about 20% of global iPhone production, and Apple aims to produce most of its US-bound iPhones in India by the end of 2026, Bloomberg reports. But Apple’s goal of expanding its Indian operation could be delayed due to a shortage of critical talent.

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