Apple may revive its plans to make iPad, AirPods charging cases in India: Report

Apple produced $14 billion worth of iPhone models in India last fiscal year as part of its effort to make more devices outside China. Now, the Cupertino-based company is gearing up to diversify its production operations in India to include iPad and AirPod models. After facing a hurdle earlier, Apple is reportedly pushing back its plans to make iPad units in India and is looking for a manufacturing partner in the country. Additionally, the company is said to be considering starting production of AirPods in India as early as next year.

A Moneycontrol report citing unnamed sources says that Apple may soon start looking for a manufacturing partner in India to make iPad models in the country. The move comes after previous attempts to collaborate with China-based BYD for iPad production were halted due to government restrictions over geopolitical concerns.

Apple is said to be considering increasing production of components for AirPods wireless charging cases in India through Jbil. The report said it plans to begin production of AirPods in the country as early as 2025. The brand has reportedly begun trial production of components for wireless charging cases in Pune with Jabil and is considering a similar arrangement with Taiwan’s Foxconn. The report said that after quality testing and final approval, Jabil will increase commercial production of wireless charging case parts for AirPods. It can meet export requirements and address domestic demand.

The Indian government is said to be encouraging Apple to consider manufacturing laptops and desktops in India in the future. The company has reportedly shared “big plans” for India for the next two to three years. Apple is preparing to create an alternative supply chain in India to bring more partners into the country while enhancing the capabilities of existing partners.

Apple in recent years has begun assembling its latest iPhone models in India, a significant change from its practice of reserving it for huge Chinese factories run by its main Taiwanese assemblers. The relocation of production areas from China to India takes place through Foxconn and Tata Electronics within the scope of the country’s production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes. Last year, Apple made the iPhone 15 series assembled in India available for purchase in the country on the first day of sale along with China-made iPhone units.