Apple to double Air Pods production in India as Foxconn expands Hyderabad plant
Foxconn’s expansion of its Hyderabad facility and the plan to double AirPods production is a key part of Apple’s strategy to reduce its reliance on China and strengthen its manufacturing base in India. The investment is a direct response to global supply chain challenges, geopolitical risks, and Apple’s push to diversify its production footprint.
By early 2026, the Hyderabad facility is set to double its output, increasing AirPods production from 100,000 units per month to 200,000. This move will not only boost Apple’s capacity but also solidify India’s growing role in its global supply chain. Foxconn is even transferring advanced machinery from its Vietnam plants to support this ramp-up, with the company planning to retool five production lines for future AirPods models.
The expansion isn’t just about scaling up; it also means adding around 3,000 new jobs, growing the workforce from 2,000 to 5,000. This aligns with Apple’s broader vision to turn India into a key manufacturing hub for not only AirPods but also accessories and components for other brands.
Apple’s commitment to India has grown steadily over the years, with the country now playing a significant role in its production of products beyond iPhones, such as AirPods and other accessories. The investment also helps Apple mitigate risks tied to supply chain disruptions—like earlier this year, when China’s export restrictions on rare earth minerals temporarily impacted AirPods production.
This expansion in Hyderabad is part of a larger effort to turn India into a major audio manufacturing hub, and it complements another initiative in Tamil Nadu, where Jabil is building a new facility to produce AirPods cases. With this growing capacity, India’s position in Apple’s global supply chain is only set to increase.
In the long term, the move to India isn’t just about short-term production needs but a strategic shift to reduce Apple’s dependency on China. What do you think this means for India’s tech industry in the coming years?
Source: Hindustan Times