Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), a key partner in Apple’s supply chain, is set to significantly enhance its AirPods manufacturing operations in India. The company’s facility in Kongara Kalan, Hyderabad, which commenced mass production of AirPods in April 2025, currently produces over 100,000 pairs monthly. Plans are underway to nearly double this output to 200,000 units per month within the next six to eight months, targeting early 2026 for full implementation. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/25/foxconn-plans-to-expand-airpods-production-in-india?utm_source=openai))
To achieve this expansion, FIT is repurposing five existing production lines at the Hyderabad plant, with manufacturing equipment being transferred from Foxconn’s facilities in Vietnam. This strategic move underscores Foxconn’s commitment to bolstering its manufacturing footprint in India. The workforce at the Hyderabad facility is also expected to more than double, increasing from 2,000 to approximately 5,000 employees, reflecting the scale of the planned production ramp-up. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/25/foxconn-plans-to-expand-airpods-production-in-india?utm_source=openai))
This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain beyond China. By expanding manufacturing capabilities in India, Apple aims to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and global disruptions like pandemics. The move also positions Apple to better serve key markets, including the United States and Europe, by leveraging India’s growing manufacturing sector. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/25/foxconn-plans-to-expand-airpods-production-in-india?utm_source=openai))
The expansion of AirPods production in India is part of a series of investments by Foxconn in the region. In 2023, Foxconn committed $550 million to establish the Kongara Kalan facility, creating 24,000 jobs and setting the stage for an audio manufacturing hub. This facility not only focuses on AirPods and related accessories but also produces components and cables for other companies, highlighting its versatility and importance within Foxconn’s global operations. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/05/15/foxconn-starts-work-on-building-500-million-airpods-plant-in-india?utm_source=openai))
Other Apple suppliers are also expanding their presence in India. In May 2025, Jabil, a producer of AirPods cases, announced plans to increase its manufacturing capacity by establishing a new facility in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. This development indicates a broader trend of Apple’s supply chain partners investing in India’s manufacturing infrastructure. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/05/06/india-airpods-manufacturer-plans-second-plant?utm_source=openai))
Apple’s diversification efforts have been further motivated by challenges in the global supply chain. For instance, in April 2025, China’s temporary halt on the export of rare earth minerals, including dysprosium, led to production bottlenecks at FIT’s Telangana facility. Although the export restrictions were lifted in August, the incident underscored the vulnerabilities of a concentrated supply chain and reinforced the need for geographic diversification. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/25/foxconn-plans-to-expand-airpods-production-in-india?utm_source=openai))
The Indian government has been supportive of these manufacturing expansions, offering production-linked incentive schemes to attract foreign investment. Foxconn and other manufacturers have benefited from these incentives, which aim to boost local production and create employment opportunities. Foxconn’s substantial investments in India, including a $700 million iPhone-focused plant in Bengaluru and a $1.54 billion facility announced in November 2023, demonstrate the company’s commitment to expanding its operations in the country. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/03/03/foxconn-to-build-700-million-iphone-plant-in-india?utm_source=openai))
In summary, Foxconn’s plan to double AirPods production in India is a strategic move that aligns with Apple’s goal of diversifying its supply chain and reducing reliance on China. This expansion not only enhances production capacity but also contributes to the growth of India’s manufacturing sector, positioning the country as a key player in the global electronics supply chain.
