Apple Begins Exporting Made-in-India AirPods: A Shift in Global Supply Chain

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’s Investment in Hyderabad Facility

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.

Apple’s Diversification 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.

Government Support and Local Manufacturing Growth

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.

Conclusion

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.

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