Apple’s AirPods manufacturing footprint in India is set for significant expansion, with Foxconn reportedly planning to double production capacity at its Hyderabad facility within the coming months. According to sources familiar with the matter, this strategic move would mark a substantial escalation of Apple’s manufacturing diversification beyond China.
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Manufacturing Scale-Up Underway
Foxconn Interconnect Technology’s plant in Kongara Kalan, which only began mass production of AirPods this past April, is already preparing for a major capacity increase. Sources indicate the facility currently produces more than 100,000 pairs of AirPods monthly, but under the expansion plans, that output would jump to approximately 200,000 units per month.
The timeline for this manufacturing ramp appears ambitious. Reports suggest the doubling of capacity should be complete within six to eight months, positioning the Hyderabad facility to reach its expanded production targets by early 2026. Manufacturing equipment is already being relocated from Foxconn’s Vietnam operations to support this expansion, with five existing production lines being reconfigured specifically for AirPods production.
Workforce and Economic Impact
This manufacturing scale-up brings substantial employment opportunities to the region. The facility’s current headcount of around 2,000 workers is expected to swell to approximately 5,000 employees once the expansion is complete. That represents a 150% increase in local manufacturing jobs directly tied to Apple’s supply chain.
The growth aligns with Foxconn’s earlier commitment to invest $550 million in establishing an audio manufacturing hub in Hyderabad. That 2023 announcement promised 24,000 jobs across the facility, suggesting this AirPods expansion represents just one phase of a broader manufacturing strategy in the region.
Broader Supply Chain Diversification
Apple’s push to expand AirPods production in India fits into a much larger pattern of supply chain restructuring. For years, the tech giant has been methodically reducing its manufacturing reliance on China, a strategy that accelerated during the pandemic and amid ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Industry analysts see this move as particularly significant because until recently, Apple’s Indian manufacturing operations focused almost exclusively on iPhone production. Expanding into personal audio devices suggests a more comprehensive supply chain diversification strategy is taking shape.
Meanwhile, the challenges of this transition became apparent earlier this year when China temporarily halted exports of rare earth minerals. That created production bottlenecks at the Telangana facility, highlighting exactly why Apple is pursuing this diversification strategy. The export restrictions on dysprosium were only relaxed in August, allowing production to resume normal operations.
Competitive Manufacturing Landscape
Foxconn isn’t the only company expanding AirPods-related manufacturing in India. According to industry reports, Jabil—which produces AirPods cases—has indicated plans to increase capacity through a new facility in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. This suggests Apple is cultivating multiple manufacturing partners within India rather than relying on a single provider.
The Hyderabad facility’s role extends beyond just AirPods production. While personal audio devices remain the primary focus, the plant also manufactures components and cables for other companies, giving Foxconn additional revenue streams while supporting Apple’s</a broader ecosystem.
As one industry observer noted, “This expansion represents more than just increased production—it’s about building redundant supply chains that can withstand geopolitical shocks and pandemic disruptions. For Apple, that resilience is becoming as important as cost efficiency.”
With the manufacturing equipment already en route from Vietnam and production line refitting underway, the stage appears set for India to become an increasingly critical hub in Apple’s global manufacturing strategy. The success of this expansion could determine how quickly other Apple products follow AirPods out of China and into diversified production centers worldwide.
