
Apple to export made-in-India AirPods to US, Europe from April
Apple will be exporting from India, with shipments of two models starting from April in small quantities, with a ramp up expected in the next 3-4 months, industry executives aware of the matter told ET.
Apple’s contract manufacturer Foxconn is assembling AirPods at its new Hyderabad facility. Foxconn had announced an investment of $400 million to set up the factory in August 2023.
“Apple is making small quantities of the base AirPods models — AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) for exports to markets like the United States, Europe and others from the Foxconn facility at Hyderabad,” said an industry executive aware of the matter.
“AirPods are going to be shipped out starting April. This is not for the domestic market right now, but domestic demand will be met eventually,” said another executive, adding that production will be in small quantities for now.
According to industry executives and market trackers, Apple has plans to eventually shift more products out of China as the trade environment becomes more uncertain and costlier for Apple to continue production in China.
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The Trump administration has introduced an additional 10% tariff on hearables imported from China, in addition to the existing 10% imposed previously. This makes exports from China costlier for companies like Apple.
AirPods were the highest selling truly wireless earbuds globally in 2024, according to market research firm Canalys. The company shipped 81.8 million units, capturing 18% market share, with the US