India Races to Ship iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max Ahead of Global Launch; Chartered Flights Depart: Report

India is playing a bigger role than ever in Apple’s latest iPhone launch, with Foxconn and Tata Electronics stepping up production of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to ensure units reach international markets on time.

According to a report by The Economic Times, several chartered flights carrying the newly launched Pro models have already departed India, with most reportedly originating from Chennai. More flights could be scheduled as Apple works to meet demand in the United States and other major markets ahead of Friday’s global sales launch.

Made-in-India Pro models to reach global customers

The development marks an important shift in Apple’s India manufacturing strategy. While India-made iPhones have increasingly been exported to international markets, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are the first Pro-series models manufactured in India to be available globally from the beginning of sales.

The Economic Times reported that Apple had already flown large quantities of iPhones on chartered aircraft during the preceding week, with additional flights potentially planned for the Pro models. The United States is expected to be one of the major destinations for these shipments.

Earlier reports had indicated that production of the iPhone 18 Pro series had begun in India ahead of the launch, with facilities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka involved in assembly. A substantial portion of the locally produced devices is expected to be exported to markets including the US and Europe.

Foxconn, Tata Electronics ramp up production

Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem in India is expanding as the company seeks to increase production capacity outside China.

Foxconn continues to account for the larger share of iPhone manufacturing in India, while Tata Electronics is taking on a larger role in Pro-series production than it did previously. The latest ramp-up is aimed at ensuring sufficient inventory for the initial international sales window.

The Economic Times reported that as much as 80-90% of locally produced Pro-series output could be exported, reflecting the relatively smaller share of Pro and Pro Max models in India's domestic iPhone sales compared with other variants.

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max sales begin September 18

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026. Pre-orders began on September 12, while retail availability is scheduled to start on September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions, including India, the US, China, Japan, the UK and several European markets.

Apple's India website confirms that pre-orders began at 5:30 PM IST on September 12, with availability starting September 18.

What makes the iPhone 18 Pro series different?

The new Pro models feature Apple's A20 Pro chip, a next-generation vapour chamber and a redesigned camera system. The headline camera upgrade is a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, giving users greater control over light intake and depth of field.

Apple also says the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers a significant battery-life improvement, while both models introduce new AI capabilities through Siri AI and iOS 27.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in black, silver, glacier and burgundy, with the Pro Max positioned as the larger and longer-lasting model.

India’s growing importance to Apple’s global supply chain

The rapid movement of India-made iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max units highlights the growing importance of the country in Apple's global manufacturing network.

Previously, Pro-series iPhones manufactured in India typically reached international markets after the initial global launch. This year's effort represents a significant change, with locally assembled Pro models being positioned for international customers from the first day of sales.

The move also comes as Apple continues to diversify its manufacturing base and increase production in India, particularly for export-oriented supply.