Hyderabad, India – In a major move to expand its manufacturing beyond China, Apple is set to begin producing its popular AirPods in India. The production will take place at a newly established Foxconn facility in Hyderabad, making it the first time these wireless earbuds will be manufactured in the country.
Apple’s Shift Away from China
Apple has been gradually shifting some of its production from China to India since 2017. This change gained momentum as tensions between the U.S. and China escalated, prompting the tech giant to look for alternative manufacturing hubs.
Foxconn, Apple’s key supplier, has set up the new plant in Hyderabad through its subsidiary, Foxconn Interconnect Technology. The facility will focus on assembling AirPods for export, strengthening Apple’s presence in India’s growing electronics manufacturing sector.
Why India?
India has become a crucial part of Apple’s supply chain in recent years. Currently, around 15% of iPhones are manufactured in India, and experts predict that this number could rise to 25% by 2027. The country’s “Make in India” initiative has also played a big role in attracting global tech companies to set up production units.
By manufacturing AirPods in Hyderabad, Apple benefits from lower labor costs, government incentives, and reduced dependence on China. This shift could also lead to faster production cycles and better supply chain management.
Challenges Ahead
While this move is a big step forward, it does come with challenges. Shifting production from China to India requires building a strong local supply chain, training skilled workers, and ensuring quality control at the same level Apple maintains globally. Additionally, political tensions between China and India could create logistical issues for production and shipping.
Boost for India’s Economy
Apple’s decision to manufacture AirPods in India is expected to bring significant economic benefits. The new Hyderabad plant will generate employment opportunities and help develop advanced manufacturing skills in the local workforce.
More importantly, Apple’s growing presence in India could encourage other global tech companies to follow suit, attracting more foreign investment and boosting India’s status as a global manufacturing hub.
What’s Next?
Apple’s expansion in India is just the beginning. With iPhone production already in full swing and AirPods manufacturing kicking off, there’s a possibility that more Apple products, such as MacBooks and iPads, could also be made in India in the near future.
For now, all eyes are on Hyderabad as Foxconn begins production, marking another major milestone in Apple’s global strategy.
