Apple has started exporting AirPods manufactured at its Foxconn facility in Hyderabad, India, with initial shipments set to reach the United States and Europe in April 2025. This milestone makes AirPods the second product, after iPhones, to be produced in India for global markets.
Foxconn, Apple’s manufacturing partner, invested ₹3,471.20 crore (US$ 400 million) to establish this factory in August 2023. Currently, 2 AirPods models—AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation—are being produced in limited quantities. Production is expected to ramp up over the next 3 to 4 months, aligning with Apple’s global supply chain strategy.
Industry experts suggest that Apple’s move is part of its broader strategy to reduce dependency on China. With rising tariffs and ongoing geopolitical tensions, Apple is looking to shift at least 50% of its export demand away from China in the coming years. India, now the second-largest smartphone producer globally, is well-positioned to play a key role in this transition.
The Indian government has actively supported domestic electronics manufacturing through various initiatives. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has advocated for reduced tariffs on finished electronic imports while the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme continues to incentivise local production. These efforts are expected to further strengthen India’s role in the global electronics supply chain.
Apple’s decision to export AirPods from India signals a significant shift in its global manufacturing and supply chain strategy. As production scales up, India’s position as a key electronics manufacturing hub is likely to gain further prominence, contributing to both economic growth and technological advancements.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Mar 19, 2025, 2:57 PM IST
Team Angel One
We're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates