Foxconn, Apple’s contract manufacturer, is assembling AirPods at its newly established Hyderabad facility, where it announced a $400 million investment in August 2023. The move underscores Apple’s growing reliance on India as a key manufacturing hub.
“Apple is making small quantities of the base AirPods models for exports to markets like the United States, Europe, and others from the Foxconn facility at Hyderabad,” an industry executive told ET.
While the initial production run is solely for exports, reports suggest that Apple may consider local sales in the future, which could impact AirPods pricing and availability in India.
Apple’s Expanding Supply Chain in India
AirPods production in India comes amid speculation about Apple reassessing its global manufacturing strategy in response to US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Additionally, Apple recently announced a $500 billion investment in US manufacturing over the next four years.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, during the company’s earnings call, emphasized that manufacturing in India serves both domestic and international markets. “Our business needs certain economies of scale for it to make sense to manufacture in the country,” he said.
Beyond AirPods, Foxconn is reportedly gearing up to manufacture Beats headphones in India, further strengthening the country’s role in Apple’s audio product lineup.
AirPods to Get Real-Time Translation Feature
Meanwhile, AirPods are set to receive a major software update introducing real-time conversation translation, Bloomberg reported. The feature, expected with iOS 19, will allow AirPods users to translate in-person conversations using a connected iPhone’s processor.
This enhancement follows Apple’s previous updates, which included using AirPods as hearing aids. The company is also rumored to be working on future AirPods models equipped with cameras and AI-driven features.
With AirPods production now in motion, Apple’s deepening investment in India signals a broader shift in its supply chain strategy, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in global electronics manufacturing.
