Apple to Begin AirPods Production in India from April: A Major Boost for Local Manufacturing

Apple is set to expand its manufacturing footprint in India by starting AirPods production at the Foxconn facility in Hyderabad from April 2025. This move marks a significant milestone in Apple’s supply chain diversification strategy, strengthening India’s role in global tech manufacturing.

Apple’s Growing Manufacturing Presence in India

Apple has already been exporting AirPods components from India to China and Vietnam since 2023. Now, the company is taking a step further by shifting full-scale AirPods production to India. According to reports from PTI and IANS, the Foxconn plant in Hyderabad will handle manufacturing, with the initial focus on exports.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, during an earnings call, emphasized the importance of India’s role in Apple’s global strategy. He stated that Apple’s manufacturing operations in India cater to both domestic and international markets, benefiting from economies of scale that make local production viable.

Apple Expands Beyond AirPods: Beats Headphones Production in India

Apple’s commitment to Indian manufacturing extends beyond AirPods. Reports indicate that Foxconn is also preparing to manufacture Beats headphones in India, further solidifying the country’s position in Apple’s audio product ecosystem.

While the initial AirPods and Beats production in India is focused on exports, Apple might consider launching locally manufactured units for domestic sales. If this happens, it could potentially reduce prices for Indian consumers, making Apple’s premium audio products more accessible in the country.

Record iPhone Exports from India: A Testament to Growth

Apple’s investment in India’s manufacturing sector is already yielding significant results. The company’s iPhone exports from India hit a record high of ₹1 lakh crore in the first ten months of the financial year 2025 (FY25). This surge underscores India’s rising importance as an electronics manufacturing hub, fueled by government incentives, skilled labor, and supply chain diversification efforts.

Apple’s Long-Term Strategy: Reducing Supply Chain Risks

Apple’s decision to shift AirPods and Beats production to India aligns with its broader global supply chain strategy. By expanding production beyond China and Vietnam, Apple is reducing its supply chain risks while capitalizing on India’s growing manufacturing capabilities. This move reflects a broader trend of global companies diversifying their production locations to ensure operational stability.

Upcoming Software Upgrade: AirPods to Get Live-Translation Feature

Apart from expanding its manufacturing operations, Apple is also preparing a major software update for AirPods. Reports suggest that Apple will introduce a real-time translation feature as part of its next big update, expected to launch alongside iOS 19 later this year. This enhancement could further boost the usability and appeal of AirPods, particularly for travelers and professionals requiring seamless communication across languages.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s decision to manufacture AirPods in India marks a pivotal step in the country’s journey toward becoming a global technology manufacturing hub. With iPhone production already setting records, the expansion into audio products like AirPods and Beats strengthens India’s position in Apple’s supply chain ecosystem.

As Apple continues to increase investments in Indian manufacturing, consumers can anticipate potential local availability and pricing benefits in the near future. Additionally, with upcoming AirPods software upgrades, users will experience new features like live translation, making the AirPods ecosystem even more advanced and user-friendly.