Apple Relocates AirPods Manufacturing to India in 2025

HYDERABAD, India — Apple Inc. will begin making AirPods in India in early 2025. The tech giant teams with Foxconn Technology Group on the move. It was launched at a new plant outside Hyderabad. Now the pivot occurs in order to reduce dependence on China. This represents a major step for Apple's international supply chain.

Production of the AirPods goes underway Q1 2025 in state of Telangana The new plant is operated by Foxconn, an important Apple supplier. Trial runs began late last year, and full-scale work will accelerate soon. This comes on top of Apple’s success with iPhones in India. In fiscal year 2024, $14 billion worth of iPhones were exported from India by the company. And now, AirPods are on the “Made in India” list. The way is clear: Trade tensions and geopolitical risk have made it wise to diversify out of China.

India becomes more attractive to Apple. There is a skilled labor force and government incentives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government provides cash incentives for local production. This encouraged Foxconn to produce AirPods here, even though they make very little money doing so. “It was India’s support that made this possible,” a Foxconn spokesman said in a statement. India is already a base for Apple parts for iPhones and MacBooks. Outsourcing to people like Jabil in Pune and Aequs in Karnataka helps. This network is bolstered by the Hyderabad plant. The majority of AirPods produced here will be shipped globally, and not solely remain in India.

Apple’s no stranger to India, though. The company started producing iPhones there in 2021. It accounts for 14% of global iPhone production. AirPods might go a similar way. King has a $30 billion export target for India by 2031. There’s also a potential $3 billion incentive package for parts makers. Apple’s push comes at a time of U.S. trade obstacles for China. Shifting AirPods here keeps costs stable and supply lines secure. There is jubilation on X about this “Make in India” victory. Some see it as a game-changer for jobs and growth.

What does Apple have in store for India next? The best-seller has broadened and the company intends to expand quickly. Hyderabad factory churning out AirPods; billions soon Well, you’ll still have final checks and approvals for shipping to be done before the first items will ship. Successful, India could take on other Apple hardware, such as Watches or MacBooks. This might ease Mumbai’s traffic problems and create more jobs. It could also reduce prices for AirPods here eventually. For now, Apple fans will have to hold out for the first “Made in India” earbuds. The move marks the beginning of a new chapter for tech in India.

Apple Relocates AirPods Manufacturing to India in 2025

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