Apple is set to begin manufacturing AirPods in India at Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility starting in April 2025, according to industry sources. This marks Apple’s second major product category to be produced in India, following the iPhone. A source familiar with the development stated, “Production of AirPods will commence at Foxconn’s Hyderabad plant in April, but it will initially be exclusively for exports.”
Foxconn, Apple’s key manufacturing partner, has invested $400 million to establish the Hyderabad plant, a move aligned with Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its global supply chain. Apple currently leads the global true wireless stereo (TWS) device market, holding a 23.1% market share in 2024, nearly three times that of Samsung, which has an estimated 8.5% share, according to research firm Canalys.
The decision to produce AirPods in India comes amid shifting global trade policies. Speculation suggests Apple may reassess its manufacturing strategy in the country following new reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. Apple recently committed to investing $500 billion in US manufacturing over the next four years, indicating a potential shift in its production priorities.
In response, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has pointed out that India imposes a 20% import duty on hearables and wearables, whereas the US maintains zero import duties on these products. The ICEA has proposed removing these duties on imports from the US to encourage further investments.
The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect from April 2, 2025, will impact multiple countries, including India, potentially influencing Apple’s long-term production strategies. Despite these uncertainties, Apple’s decision to manufacture AirPods in India highlights its growing investment in the country’s electronics sector, though evolving trade policies between the US and India may shape future production and export plans.
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