Apple moves production AWAY from China: A quarter of new iPhones to be manufactured in India as more companies reduce reliance on Beijing

One in four iPhones could soon be produced in India, as Apple joins a growing list of companies looking to reduce their dependence on China.

The tech giant aims to build over 50 million phones annually in India within the next two to three years, the company said. Wall Street Journal.

Despite the massive expansion, China will remain the largest producer of iPhones – which cost up to $1,599 – thanks to the giant Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou.

Companies have become increasingly concerned about their overdependence on China, fueled by diplomatic efforts by the US and its allies to block Beijing's access to advanced technology.

One in four iPhones could soon be produced in India as Apple joins a growing list of companies looking to reduce their dependence on China, new reports say.

Despite the massive expansion, China will remain the largest producer of iPhones – which cost up to $1,599 – thanks to the giant Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou. In the photo: the latest iPhone 15

Last month it emerged that Walmart had increased its imports from India, while Microsoft's LinkedIn shut down its China-focused jobs app.

Apple has gradually increased its dependence on India, although it has faced challenges due to poor infrastructure and restrictive labor regulations.

Unions have pushed back on companies' calls to introduce a 12-hour working day similar to that in China.

But earlier this year, the state of Karnataka decided to extend the limits from nine to 12 hours, although companies must have permission to do so. Under the new rules, companies can also employ women on night shifts without seeking government permission.

So far the WJ reports that Apple and its suppliers – including Taiwan-based FoxConn – believe the transition has gone well.

A Foxconn factory is currently under construction in the southern state of Karnataka and is expected to be operational in April. This site is expected to produce 20 million mobile phones annually in the next two to three years, sources said WJ.

So far, the WSJ reports that the transition at Apple and its suppliers – including Taiwan-based FoxConn – has gone well. A Foxconn factory in southern China is pictured in 2010

Apple has gradually increased its dependence on India, although it has faced challenges due to poor infrastructure and restrictive labor regulations. Pictured: A worker at a Foxconn factory in 2010

A second iPhone factory is also planned, although it is still in its early stages.

Foxconn announced its commitment to India at the end of November when it invested the equivalent of more than $1.5 billion in the country.

Research firm Counterpoint estimates that global iPhone shipments totaled more than 220 million last year.

DailyMail.com contacted Apple for comment.