Apple Preparing to Make More AirPods in India
Apple is preparing to make more AirPods in India as part of its continued push to diversify production beyond China. Reports from the Economic Times reveal that Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility is gearing up to double its monthly AirPods output while significantly expanding its workforce.
Foxconn’s Hyderabad Facility to Double AirPods Output
The Foxconn plant located in Kongara Kalan, Hyderabad, is planning to increase capacity from around 100,000 AirPods per month to nearly 200,000. To achieve this, the facility is overhauling five existing assembly lines and installing new equipment transferred from Foxconn’s operations in Vietnam.
Production of AirPods began at this site in April after Apple relocated key machinery and tooling. The expansion highlights Apple's growing focus on India as a major manufacturing hub for its accessories.
Workforce Expansion to Meet Rising Demand
To keep up with production goals, Foxconn will more than double its workforce — increasing from 2,000 to 5,000 employees within the next six to eight months. The factory currently assembles models like the upcoming AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, marking an important milestone in Apple’s global supply chain strategy.
Strategic Move Amid Supply Chain Challenges
Apple’s decision to make more AirPods in India comes after production setbacks earlier this year. In July, a shortage of dysprosium — a rare earth metal essential for AirPods components — disrupted output when China tightened export controls.
By ramping up manufacturing in India, Apple aims to reduce dependence on China for critical production. This move also aligns with the company’s broader goal of spreading manufacturing operations across multiple regions to ensure stability and resilience.
India’s Rising Role in Apple’s Global Production
India has become one of Apple’s key markets and production centers. Beyond iPhones, the company is now extending accessory production — including AirPods — to Indian facilities. Government incentives under the “Make in India” initiative have encouraged tech giants like Apple to invest more heavily in local assembly and supply chains.
With Foxconn’s growing role in India, Apple is positioning the country as a strategic hub for future product manufacturing, from iPhones to wearables. The expansion could also lead to more competitive pricing and faster availability for Indian consumers.
Apple’s Broader Manufacturing Diversification
This acceleration in AirPods production in India underscores a larger trend — Apple’s ongoing efforts to decentralize its supply chain. In recent years, Apple has expanded manufacturing to countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and now India, reducing its reliance on any single market.
Experts suggest that producing AirPods in India will help Apple balance geopolitical risks, manage component shortages, and meet growing global demand efficiently.
What’s Next for AirPods Production in India?
As Apple continues to prepare to make more AirPods in India, industry analysts expect further investments in automation, local supplier partnerships, and technology transfer. These steps could make India a major global hub for Apple’s audio product line.
If Foxconn’s expansion in Hyderabad proves successful, Apple may replicate the model across other Indian states, further boosting employment and strengthening local electronics manufacturing.
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