April 29, 2025 – Rumors surrounding a special 20th-anniversary edition of Apple’s iPhone have been swirling since the beginning of April. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman yesterday, the tech giant is reportedly developing not one, but two distinctive models to mark this milestone in 2027. The first is a highly anticipated foldable iPhone, a concept that has long captivated the imagination of Apple enthusiasts. The second model is said to be a Pro version centered around innovative glass technology.
However, these ambitious plans may come with a hefty price tag. Shifting iPhone production to India, a move Apple has been exploring, could significantly drive up the cost of these commemorative devices. Gurman notes that the 20th-anniversary iPhones are “incredibly complex” due to their reliance on new components and manufacturing techniques that are challenging to source outside of China.
Moreover, reports indicate that producing iPhones in India is 5-10% more expensive compared to China, adding another layer of complexity to Apple’s supply chain strategy. The Financial Times revealed last week that Apple has set an ambitious target: to source all iPhones sold in the U.S. market—over 60 million units annually—from India by the end of 2026. This timeline is more aggressive than previously anticipated and would require Apple to double its production capacity in the country.
Despite these plans, some industry analysts remain skeptical. Craig Moffett, a partner and senior managing director at MoffettNathanson, believes that relocating iPhone assembly operations to India is an impractical endeavor. The challenges of scaling up production, ensuring quality control, and maintaining cost efficiency in a new manufacturing hub are significant hurdles that Apple will need to overcome.
As Apple prepares to celebrate two decades of the iPhone, the company’s strategic decisions regarding production and innovation will undoubtedly be closely watched by both consumers and industry observers alike.
