New Delhi, April 30 -- Apple has begun ramping up iPhone production in India, with a new plant in Tamil Nadu now operational and another in Karnataka set to start shipping in May.

The move reflects Apple's strategic shift to diversify its supply chain amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions.

The new plant, operated by Tata Electronics in Hosur, has started assembling older iPhone models. Meanwhile, a $2.6 billion Foxconn facility under construction in Bengaluru will begin limited production in the coming days.

Sources say the factory will initially produce iPhone 16 and 16e models, with a capacity of 300-500 units per hour. When completed in 2027, the plant is expected to generate around 50,000 jobs.

Apple's push into India comes as U.S...