Apple is gearing up to start the production of AirPods in India at Foxconn’s Hyderabad plant from April 2025, according to industry sources. This move marks a major step in the company’s expansion strategy in India and aligns with the government’s Make in India initiative.
After the success of iPhone manufacturing in India, AirPods will become the second Apple product to be produced locally. However, initial production will be exclusively for exports, with no immediate plans to supply the domestic market.
Foxconn, Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, had earlier approved a $400 million (Rs 3,500 crore) investment to set up the Hyderabad facility in August 2023.
Apple Dominance in the Global Market
Apple continues to lead the global true wireless stereo (TWS) market, with a 23.1% share in 2024, nearly three times that of Samsung, which holds 8.5%, according to Canalys. The move to manufacture AirPods in India is expected to strengthen Apple’s supply chain and improve its cost efficiency.
The decision to produce AirPods in India also comes amid speculation about Apple’s shifting production strategy due to reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US government. The Trump administration has proposed new import duties on several countries, including India, starting April 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, India imposes a 20% import duty on hearables and wearables, whereas the United States has no such tariff. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has suggested that India could benefit if these import duties on US-made electronic products are waived.
Commitment to Global Expansion
Despite trade tensions, Apple has announced a $500 billion investment in the US over the next four years to expand its manufacturing base. However, its expansion in India signals its commitment to diversifying production while benefiting from India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
With AirPods production set to begin in April, Apple’s presence in India’s electronics manufacturing sector continues to grow, reinforcing the country’s role as a key export hub for global brands.
