Key Details of the Project
A Foxconn plant located near Hyderabad in the state of Telangana has been tasked with the assembly of the AirPods. Trials have already been conducted, and production is expected to ramp up progressively.
From a commercial standpoint, Apple anticipates that the majority of the AirPods produced in India will be for export, solidifying India’s position as a key production hub. Last year, iPhone exports from India reached nearly $6 billion, marking a substantial increase. In 2023, supplier Jabil began manufacturing AirPod casings in India, which were then shipped for assembly in China and Vietnam.
Future Outlook
By doing so, the iconic white earbuds become the second Apple product, after the iPhone, to be manufactured in the country, aligning with policies aimed at localization and reducing dependency on China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is actively promoting local manufacturing of tech products with financial incentives.
The plan to assemble AirPods in India reflects Apple’s strategic intent to balance its geopolitical risks while capitalizing on the rapidly growing Indian market. With this expansion, Apple is strengthening its partnership with Foxconn and continuing to broaden its localization strategy to diversify its global supply chain.
India could become central to Apple’s future plans, particularly for high-demand global products, while also boosting its domestic market.