Apple to Launch AirPods Production in India by Early 2025 - Report

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Inc. is preparing to expand its production base by starting the manufacturing of its popular wireless headphones, AirPods, in India early next year. According to news based on sources close to the matter, this move represents a significant step in the tech giant's efforts to reduce its dependence on production in China.

The production will be carried out by a unit of Foxconn Technology Group, with assembly expected to begin at a new facility located near Hyderabad in the state of Telangana around the first quarter of 2025. According to sources who requested anonymity, the factory is currently conducting trial production of the AirPods, and a rapid transition to full-scale production is anticipated after the initial production phase.

This initiative will be Apple’s second major product to be assembled in India after the iPhone. The company’s expansion in India is supported by a combination of factors, including incentives provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, a skilled local workforce, and the country’s evolving technological infrastructure.

India's role is becoming increasingly critical in Apple's strategy to diversify its production and reduce geopolitical risks associated with its operations in China. Ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing are prompting companies like Apple to seek alternative production locations. The potential re-election of Donald Trump in the U.S. may further accelerate the trend of moving away from China.