Apple considering production of iPad, AirPods charging case in India: report

Apple produced $14 billion worth of iPhone models in India last fiscal year as part of its push to produce more devices outside China. Now, the Cupertino company is reportedly gearing up to diversify its manufacturing operations in India to include iPad and AirPod models. After hitting a roadblock earlier, Apple is reportedly scaling back its plan to make iPad units in India and is looking for a manufacturing partner in the country. Additionally, the company is reportedly aiming to start production of AirPods in India from early next year.

a report by Moneycontrol, citing unnamed sources, claims that Apple may soon look for a manufacturing partner in India to make iPad models in the country. The move comes after earlier attempts to tie up with China-based BYD for iPad production were halted due to government restrictions driven by geopolitical concerns.

Apple is also reportedly looking to ramp up production of components for AirPods wireless charging cases through Jabil in India. The report says it plans to start production of AirPods in the country from early 2025. The brand is said to have started a pilot production of wireless charging case components in Pune with Jabil and is considering a similar deal with Taiwan’s Foxconn. After quality testing and final approval, Jabil will ramp up commercial production of wireless charging case components for AirPods, the report added. This could meet export requirements and cater to domestic demand.

The Indian government is also reportedly encouraging Apple to start manufacturing laptops and desktops in India in the future. The company is said to have shared “big plans” for India in the next two to three years. Apple is preparing to set up an alternative supply chain in India to bring more partners to the country while also expanding the capabilities of existing partners.

Apple has begun assembling its latest iPhone models in India in recent years, marking a significant shift from the practice of reserving much of it for giant Chinese factories run by its main Taiwanese assembly plants. The shift of production sites from China to India is being done through Foxconn and Tata Electronics under the purview of the country’s production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes. Last year, Apple made the India-assembled iPhone 15 series available for purchase in the country on the first day of sale, simultaneously with China-made iPhone units.