Apple is ramping up its production footprint in India once again — this time with a major focus on its popular AirPods lineup. According to recent reports, Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn is significantly expanding AirPods production capacity at its Hyderabad facility, marking another major step in Apple’s strategy to diversify its supply chain beyond China.
The move is expected to not only boost Apple’s manufacturing capabilities in India but also generate thousands of new jobs, with an estimated 200,000 AirPods units to be produced locally in the coming months.
A New Milestone in Apple’s India Manufacturing Journey
Apple has steadily increased its investment and manufacturing operations in India over the past few years. What began with iPhone assembly by Wistron and Foxconn has now grown into a full-fledged expansion covering iPads, MacBooks, and wearables like AirPods.
The decision to increase AirPods production in Hyderabad signals Apple’s strong confidence in India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem and skilled labor force. This project is part of the “Make in India” initiative, aligning with both Apple’s diversification goals and India’s vision of becoming a global electronics manufacturing hub.
Foxconn’s Hyderabad Facility: The Growth Engine
Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility, located in Telangana, has quickly become one of the most important sites for Apple’s production in India. The plant is now being scaled up to handle large-scale AirPods assembly, and Foxconn is actively hiring to meet Apple’s growing global demand.
According to reports, Foxconn plans to produce up to 2,00,000 AirPods in the coming months as part of this expansion. This marks one of the first large-scale AirPods manufacturing operations outside China — a significant achievement for both Apple and India.
Government officials have welcomed this expansion, noting that it will contribute to local employment, skill development, and overall technological advancement in the region.
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Massive Job Creation and Local Impact
The Hyderabad facility’s ramp-up is expected to create thousands of new direct and indirect jobs. Foxconn has reportedly begun a large-scale hiring drive, offering opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled workers.
The expansion will benefit not just factory workers but also logistics providers, component suppliers, and local service industries. The Telangana government has been proactive in supporting the project, offering infrastructure support and ease-of-business measures to attract high-tech manufacturing.
Industry analysts say that Apple’s increased reliance on India could pave the way for ancillary industries such as packaging, component assembly, and logistics to flourish in southern India — boosting the regional economy significantly.
Why Apple Is Expanding in India
There are several strategic reasons behind Apple’s growing presence in India:
1. Diversification Away from China
Apple has been steadily reducing its dependence on China for production due to supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and geopolitical tensions. India offers a stable, cost-effective alternative with a growing pool of skilled workers and government incentives.
2. Rising Local Demand
India is one of the fastest-growing markets for Apple products. With record iPhone sales in 2024 and increasing demand for accessories like AirPods, local manufacturing allows Apple to meet domestic needs more efficiently while saving on import duties.
3. Government Support
India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has played a key role in attracting global manufacturers. The scheme offers financial incentives for companies manufacturing electronics locally, making India an attractive base for Apple’s suppliers.
4. Strategic Long-Term Growth
By expanding its presence in India, Apple is building a strong base for long-term operations. Over the next decade, the company aims to make India a key pillar of its global supply chain — not just for local sales, but for exports as well.
India’s Role in Apple’s Global Supply Chain
India has already become a significant part of Apple’s global supply network. With multiple partners like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics, Apple now manufactures several models of the iPhone in the country.
AirPods production adds another crucial product line to India’s portfolio, demonstrating that the country’s manufacturing ecosystem is now mature enough to handle advanced assembly and quality control for high-end consumer electronics.
Experts believe that India could soon produce not just AirPods but also other accessories and components that support Apple’s ecosystem — including cables, chargers, and even certain Mac components.
Technology and Skill Development
Foxconn’s expansion also comes with an emphasis on technology transfer and workforce training. Advanced assembly lines for AirPods require precision engineering, robotics, and automated systems.
This will help Indian workers gain exposure to global manufacturing standards, fostering a highly skilled workforce capable of handling next-generation technologies. Over time, these advancements could benefit the broader Indian manufacturing sector as workers carry forward their expertise into other industries.
Apple’s Growing Investments in India
Apple has already invested heavily in India’s retail and manufacturing sectors. The company launched its first official Apple Stores in Mumbai and Delhi, while also strengthening its online presence to cater to the growing customer base.
On the manufacturing front, Apple’s suppliers have collectively invested billions of dollars in India since 2020. With the new AirPods production line, Apple’s total investment in India’s electronics ecosystem is expected to rise significantly over the next few years.
Hyderabad: Emerging as a Tech and Manufacturing Hub
The choice of Hyderabad for AirPods production is strategic. Known as India’s “Cyber City,” Hyderabad has transformed into a technology and innovation hub with excellent infrastructure, skilled talent, and investor-friendly policies.
Telangana’s government has been aggressive in promoting electronics manufacturing through the Telangana Electronics Policy, offering subsidies, power incentives, and fast-track approvals.
This makes Hyderabad an ideal base for Foxconn and Apple’s future projects — especially as they explore manufacturing not just for domestic markets but also for export.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Electronics Manufacturing Boom
Apple’s expansion is part of a broader trend in which global technology giants are looking to India as a manufacturing base. Alongside Apple, companies like Samsung, Dell, and Google are also scaling up their production lines in India.
This rapid industrial growth is turning India into a serious competitor to China and Vietnam in the global electronics supply chain. With continuous infrastructure upgrades and government support, India is well-positioned to become a world leader in electronics exports over the next decade.
What It Means for Consumers
For Indian consumers, this could mean more locally made Apple products, potentially at better prices over time. Local manufacturing helps Apple avoid high import duties, which can translate into competitive pricing for Indian buyers.
Moreover, increased production could lead to faster product availability and more efficient after-sales service, further improving Apple’s brand experience in India.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to expand AirPods production in Hyderabad is another strong signal of India’s rise as a global manufacturing powerhouse. By partnering with Foxconn and leveraging government incentives, Apple is not only strengthening its supply chain but also contributing to India’s economic growth and job creation.
With over 2,00,000 AirPods set to roll out from the Hyderabad facility and thousands of new employment opportunities, this expansion highlights the mutual benefits of global collaboration. For India, it’s a giant leap toward becoming a key player in the world’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem — and for Apple, it’s a smart move to secure its future in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
