Apple is set to begin assembling AirPods in India starting April 2025, marking a significant expansion of its manufacturing operations in the country. This move follows Apple's long-standing strategy to diversify its production beyond China, leveraging India as a key manufacturing hub. The assembly of AirPods will take place at Foxconn's Hyderabad facility, which was established with an investment of $400 million (approximately ₹3,500 crore) in August 2023.
Initially, all AirPods produced in India will be exported to countries like the United States and Europe. This strategy aligns with Apple's broader goal of reducing reliance on China for manufacturing.
Foxconn, Apple's manufacturing partner, will oversee the production process at its Hyderabad plant. This facility has been preparing for AirPods assembly since last year and is now ready to commence full-scale production.
Apple's decision to manufacture AirPods in India could potentially lead to increased market share, given its dominant position in the global TWS segment with a 23.1% market share in 2024. However, it is unclear if this will result in lower prices for Indian consumers, as locally assembled iPhones have not seen significant price reductions in the past.