As the tech giant doubles down on producing new iPhones in India, it is apparently preparing to start producing AirPods and Beats headphones there.
According to Nikkei Asia, Apple has for the first time requested that certain AirPods & Beats headphone production be moved to India.
Foxconn, an iPhone manufacturer, is getting ready to manufacture Beats headphones in the nation and also has ambitions to build AirPods there, according to the source.
Details about Apple will move production of its AirPods and Beats headphones to India:
According to the company’s statement, “the decision is a part of Apple’s progressive diversification from China, as it attempts to decrease the risk of supply chain interruptions due to the country’s tough zero-Covid policy and tensions with the US.”
In terms of volume of shipments, Apple’s AirPods come in second to the iPhone.
Currently, China and Vietnam both make AirPods, with Vietnam also producing the bulk of Beats headphones. The iPhone 14 made in India will soon be available in Europe as well.
Apple has begun manufacturing the new iPhone 14 in India, a first for the tech giant as it shortens the manufacturing period of new iPhones in India with China, which is its primary global manufacturing base. This move is meant to support India’s push for local manufacturing.
The locally produced iPhone 14 will go on sale in the nation in the fourth quarter as the business invests billions of dollars to support its local production and assembly plans.
At this rate, industry observers believe that Apple may produce the iPhone 15 in India and China simultaneously in 2019.
According to JP Morgan research, Apple is projected to relocate 5% of its new iPhone 14 production to India by the end of this year and 25% by 2025 as India increases its focus on domestic manufacturing of technology products.
Apple’s ‘Make in India’ iPhones may represent close to 85% of the company’s total iPhone output for the nation this year, encouraged by the country’s business-friendly regulations and supportive local manufacturing industry.
