Apple supplier Foxconn is gearing up to double its AirPods production in India, signaling a significant shift in the company’s global manufacturing strategy. According to reports, the Taiwan-based manufacturer will expand its facility in Hyderabad’s Kongara Kalan area, with production expected to reach 200,000 units per month by early 2026.
Currently, the plant produces about 100,000 pairs of AirPods each month. The expansion includes refitting five existing production lines and transferring new machinery from Foxconn’s operations in Vietnam. The move is expected to not only increase output but also generate new employment opportunities, as the workforce grows from 2,000 to approximately 5,000 employees.
Strengthening India’s Role in Apple’s Supply Chain
Apple’s decision to ramp up production in India aligns with its broader effort to diversify its supply chain beyond China. The company aims to minimize risks tied to trade disputes, tariffs, and global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, a temporary halt in China’s rare earth mineral exports caused a shortage of dysprosium, disrupting AirPods production at the Telangana plant. The expansion, however, underscores Foxconn’s and Apple’s commitment to making India a central hub for audio product manufacturing.
A Broader Manufacturing Push
This latest initiative follows Foxconn’s $550 million investment in its Hyderabad facility, announced in 2023. The goal is to build an audio manufacturing hub capable of supporting Apple’s production needs for markets across the U.S. and Europe. The facility is also producing components and cables for other companies.
Additionally, AirPods case producer Jabil has plans to expand its manufacturing capacity in Tamil Nadu, further strengthening India’s position in Apple’s growing production ecosystem.
With these efforts, Apple and its partners are not just increasing output—they are transforming India into a vital player in the global technology supply chain.
