In a significant move toward reshaping its global supply chain, Apple has accelerated AirPods production in India, backed by a major Foxconn expansion in Hyderabad. According to The Economic Times, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer plans to double monthly output and expand its workforce to over 5,000 employees within the next few months. The move marks a critical step in Apple’s ongoing strategy to diversify manufacturing operations beyond China, reinforcing India’s growing role as a hub for high-end electronics production.
Doubling Output and Workforce in Hyderabad
Production at Foxconn’s Kongara Kalan plant, located near Hyderabad, began earlier this year after the relocation of advanced equipment from Vietnam. The facility currently manufactures AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, two of Apple’s latest wireless audio products.
With the new expansion plan, Foxconn will increase production capacity from 100,000 units per month to 200,000. This will be achieved by overhauling five existing assembly lines and installing upgraded machinery. The company also aims to hire an additional 3,000 workers, bringing total employment at the site to around 5,000.
Industry officials say the increased capacity is expected to come online within six to eight months, reflecting the rapid pace of Apple’s manufacturing shift toward India.
Apple’s Strategic Shift: Beyond China
This expansion underscores Apple’s broader goal of reducing overdependence on China for hardware assembly. The company has been gradually moving portions of iPhone, iPad, and now AirPods production to other countries such as India and Vietnam to minimize risks linked to geopolitical tensions, pandemic disruptions, and raw material shortages.
In July, Apple faced a rare earth metal shortage that temporarily slowed AirPods production across several facilities. Analysts say the Hyderabad expansion directly addresses these challenges by distributing manufacturing operations more evenly across Asia.
Apple’s supply chain diversification strategy not only enhances resilience and flexibility, but also strengthens its ability to respond quickly to market demands.
Boost for India’s Electronics Manufacturing
For India, Apple’s latest investment is another major boost to the government’s “Make in India” initiative. By expanding Foxconn’s footprint, Apple joins a growing list of global tech companies deepening their manufacturing presence in the country.
The increased AirPods production is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, including job creation, technology transfer, and supply chain development. Foxconn’s hiring surge in Hyderabad aligns with the government’s push to create high-value employment in advanced manufacturing sectors.
“Apple’s continued investment demonstrates strong confidence in India’s industrial ecosystem,” a senior government official told the Economic Times. “We expect more global brands to follow suit as India strengthens its position as a preferred electronics manufacturing destination.”
Expert Insights and Industry Reactions
Industry analysts have welcomed the move as a strategic milestone in Apple’s global manufacturing evolution. “This expansion is not just about AirPods — it’s about positioning India as a key link in Apple’s long-term supply chain strategy,” said Neil Shah, Vice President at Counterpoint Research.
According to Shah, the decision to double AirPods capacity reflects Apple’s growing comfort with India’s production quality, workforce skill levels, and export capabilities. “Apple has tested the waters with iPhone production, and now with AirPods, it’s clear that India will play a much bigger role going forward,” he added.
Market observers also note that this expansion will encourage component localization, allowing Indian suppliers to participate in Apple’s supply chain network and reduce dependence on imports.
What’s Next for Apple in India
Looking ahead, Apple is expected to continue expanding its manufacturing presence across multiple product lines in India. Reports suggest that future phases may include assembly of next-generation AirPods and potentially other audio accessories. Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility will serve as a blueprint for upcoming projects in other states, with Apple exploring similar capacity expansions for iPhone and MacBook production. The current momentum also supports Apple’s broader goal of capturing India’s premium consumer market, where demand for high-end devices is rising steadily.
