Apple AirPods: How India Is Becoming the Next Big Manufacturing Hub
Apple’s AirPods have become a global icon in the world of wireless audio, transforming how millions of people listen to music, attend calls, and interact with voice assistants. Over the years, Apple has sold millions of these sleek earbuds, capturing a dominant share of the true wireless stereo (TWS) market. But what’s making headlines now is not just the popularity of AirPods — it’s where they are being made.
Apple is increasingly shifting production of AirPods from China to India, signaling a major change in its global manufacturing strategy. This article dives deep into why India is emerging as a key hub, the companies involved, the economic impact, the challenges, and the exciting future that lies ahead.
What Makes AirPods So Popular?
Before we explore manufacturing, it’s important to understand why AirPods are such a big deal.
Launched in 2016, AirPods were Apple’s first wireless earbuds and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Features like seamless pairing with iPhones, long battery life, noise cancellation (in Pro models), spatial audio, and voice assistant integration made them one of the most desirable audio products worldwide.
By 2024, AirPods accounted for over 30% of the global TWS market, beating competitors like Samsung, Sony, and Bose. Their popularity has also boosted sales of other Apple products, strengthening the Apple ecosystem.
Why Apple Is Shifting AirPods Production to India
1. Diversifying the Supply Chain
For years, Apple relied heavily on China to manufacture its devices, including AirPods. However, rising U.S.-China tensions, trade wars, and China’s strict COVID lockdowns exposed vulnerabilities in Apple’s supply chain.
By moving production to India, Apple is hedging its risks, reducing dependence on a single country, and ensuring better resilience against geopolitical shocks.
2. Taking Advantage of India’s “Make in India” Push
India has been aggressively positioning itself as a global manufacturing hub through the government’s Make in India initiative. With incentives, tax breaks, and relaxed regulations, India has attracted top electronics companies, including Apple.
For Apple, manufacturing AirPods in India not only taps into cost efficiencies but also aligns with the local government’s goals, potentially opening doors to expanded market share in India.
Who’s Making AirPods in India?
Foxconn’s Hyderabad Facility
Foxconn, Apple’s largest supplier, began assembling AirPods at its Hyderabad plant in April 2025. This marks the first time AirPods are being made in India.
The Hyderabad plant primarily serves export markets, especially the U.S. and Europe, and plans are underway to boost production capacity. Foxconn is also investing in a new manufacturing unit in Bengaluru, expected to create over 13,000 jobs.
Jabil’s Expansion in Tamil Nadu
Jabil, a U.S.-based supplier, has been producing AirPods casings at its Pune plant for some time. But the big leap came with the announcement of a new factory in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
Here’s what’s notable:
- Investment size: ₹2,000 crore (~$238 million)
- Employment impact: Around 5,000 new jobs
- Production focus: High-precision casings for AirPods, potentially expanding to full assembly
Jabil’s expansion reflects not just the increasing scale but also the technical sophistication of India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
How This Shift Impacts India’s Economy
Job Creation
Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility is already generating thousands of jobs, and Jabil’s Tamil Nadu plant will add thousands more. This is a significant boost for local economies, particularly in semi-urban areas where employment opportunities are often limited.
Boost to Local Industries
Manufacturing AirPods in India means developing a local supply chain — from plastics and metals to logistics and packaging. This benefits small and medium-sized Indian enterprises that become part of Apple’s global supply chain.
Skill Development
Apple’s entry pushes local manufacturers to raise standards, train workers, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. This raises the overall skill level in India’s electronics manufacturing sector.
Challenges Apple Faces in India
While the outlook is promising, manufacturing AirPods in India is not without challenges.
Supply Chain Readiness
India still relies on imported components for many high-end electronics. To fully localize AirPods production, India must develop a robust supply chain for chips, batteries, and precision components.
Infrastructure Gaps
Power outages, transportation delays, and bureaucratic red tape can slow down manufacturing in India. Improvements in roads, ports, and digital infrastructure are needed to support seamless production.
Gender Diversity in Workforce
In many Indian manufacturing regions, female participation in the workforce remains low due to social and cultural barriers. Apple and its suppliers are working on inclusion initiatives, but it will take sustained effort to bring about change.
Why This Matters for Apple’s Global Strategy
The production shift of AirPods to India is not an isolated move — it’s part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing footprint. Alongside iPhones and Apple Watches, AirPods represent Apple’s bet on India as a long-term manufacturing powerhouse.
Experts predict that within the next five years, India could account for 25–30% of Apple’s global production, significantly reducing the company’s exposure to China.
What’s Next for AirPods Manufacturing in India?
Here’s what we can expect in the near future:
- Expanded assembly: Beyond casings, India is likely to handle full AirPods assembly, including integration of advanced chips and sensors.
- More suppliers entering India: Other Apple suppliers may follow Foxconn and Jabil, setting up operations in India.
- India-made AirPods for domestic market: So far, most India-made AirPods are for export. As production scales, Apple may start selling India-assembled AirPods locally at competitive prices.
- Innovation hubs: Apple may invest in research and development centers in India to complement manufacturing.
Conclusion: India’s Growing Role in the AirPods Revolution
Apple’s AirPods have redefined the audio experience worldwide, and now, India is poised to redefine how and where these iconic earbuds are made. With major investments by Foxconn and Jabil, thousands of new jobs, and strong government backing, India is emerging as a critical link in Apple’s global supply chain.
While challenges remain, the opportunities are vast. As Apple deepens its commitment to India, AirPods will play a central role in shaping not just the future of personal audio but also the future of global manufacturing.
For consumers, this could mean more innovation, better availability, and possibly even lower prices in the years to come.
