Apple will reportedly begin assembling its popular AirPods wireless earphones in India, marking a major step in the company's ongoing efforts to expand its manufacturing footprint outside China.
According to a Bloomberg report, Foxconn Technology Group, a major Apple supplier, is preparing to start manufacturing AirPods as early as the first quarter of 2024 at a new factory near Hyderabad, Telangana (via TOI).
Pilot production is reportedly already underway, with plans to scale up quickly once full-scale production begins. The move makes AirPods the second major Apple product to be assembled in India after the iPhone, which has been produced in the country for some time.
Apple's decision to expand its manufacturing operations in India is driven by several factors, including government incentives, skilled labor and advances in the country's technology infrastructure, the report said. The shift is also a strategic move as the company looks to reduce its dependence on China amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
India's growing role as a manufacturing hub for Apple is expected to significantly boost the company's export figures, with a large portion of AirPods produced in the country likely destined for the global market. While China and Vietnam currently dominate AirPods assembly, India's emergence as a major player in Apple's supply chain reflects the company's broader efforts to diversify its manufacturing base, the report said.
This isn't the first time reports have emerged about Apple's plans to move some of its AirPods production to India. In October 2023, a Times of India report indicated that the company would begin manufacturing the product's casing at a factory in Pune operated by US contract manufacturer Jabil. The project is expected to reflect the scale of iPhone production in India, with a strong focus on exports as demand for AirPods is largely driven by markets outside India.
