Apple will start manufacturing AirPods in India for the first time in early 2025. Foxconn, one of Apple’s key suppliers, will produce the wireless earbuds at a factory near Hyderabad, Telangana.
The factory has already begun trial production, and mass manufacturing is expected to ramp up quickly once operations begin. This makes AirPods the second major Apple product to be assembled in India after the iPhone.
Apple’s move to shift AirPods production to India is influenced by two key factors. First, India offers financial incentives to companies producing electronic devices like wireless earbuds and smartwatches locally. Second, Apple is diversifying its supply chain to reduce reliance on China amidst rising geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S.
Foxconn reportedly debated whether to take on AirPods assembly due to their lower profit margins but eventually agreed to strengthen its relationship with Apple.
India has become a growing hub for Apple’s manufacturing efforts. Exports of iPhones made in India surged by a third, reaching nearly $6 billion in just six months through September 2024. Most AirPods made in India are also expected to be exported to other markets.
This expansion highlights Apple’s commitment to India, both as a manufacturing base and a growing market. With these developments, India is set to play an increasingly vital role in Apple’s global operations.
Leave a Reply