Apple to export made-in-India AirPods to the United States, Europe from April

Apple has commenced the export of made-in-India AirPods from its Foxconn facility in Hyderabad, with initial shipments to the United States and Europe beginning in April 2025. This marks the second product after the iPhone to be manufactured in India for global markets. Foxconn invested Rs. 3,471.20 crore (US$ 400 million) to establish the factory in August 2023. Currently, two models, including AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, are being produced in small quantities, with production expected to scale up within three to four months. 

Industry experts suggest this move is part of Apple's strategy to reduce dependency on China, which is driven by rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Apple plans to shift at least 50% of its export demand away from China in the coming years. India, the second-largest smartphone producer globally, is positioned to absorb a significant portion of this transition. The India Cellular and Electronics Association has also advocated reduced tariffs on finished electronics imports and implemented a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost local manufacturing. 

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