Apple Ramps Up India Manufacturing: After iPhones, AirPods To Be Locally Produced

After its successful relocation of substantial iPhone production to India, Apple is preparing for another major development – starting AirPods manufacturing in the country with a focus on global exports.

This significant move is part of Apple's strategy to establish India as a key manufacturing base outside of China, The Times of India reported.

Apple’s AirPods will reportedly be produced at two facilities: the casings will be made at Jabil’s plant in Pune, while final assembly and production will take place at Foxconn's new facility in Telangana.

This operation is set to be on a scale similar to Apple’s iPhone manufacturing efforts in India.

“It will be a mega operation, on the lines of the work done for iPhones, and will be focused mainly on global exports, considering that the market for AirPods is much bigger abroad than in India,” a source familiar with the plans revealed, ToI reported.

Apple's expansion into Airpods manufacturing in India is set to happen without the usual incentives from the government.

Unlike smartphones, wireless headphones such as AirPods do not benefit from India's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. However, Apple’s focus on India remains strong, driven by the success of its iPhone production.

In the fiscal year 2024, Apple is estimated to have exported $14 billion worth of iPhones from India, making up 14 per cent of its global iPhone output.

This quick expansion has been facilitated by its key contract manufacturers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and the Tata Group, which recently took over Wistron’s iPhone operations.

AirPods production is likely to begin next year, with Apple reportedly planning to scale exports to billions of dollars in value rapidly.

While the AirPods will also be sold in India, the primary focus will remain on global markets.

Through this new venture, Apple is positioning India as its second major manufacturing hub, after China.

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