Apple starts making AirPods parts for export in India

Apple, as of now, manufactures just the iPhones in India. But now, a new report suggests that the company has started making devices for another key device, that is, the AirPods in the country. Also Read – OnePlus 11R 5G renders reveal a design similar to the OnePlus 11

According to a report by Bloomberg, a key-Apple supplier, Jabil Inc’s Indian subsidiary, has started making key components for AirPods in India. The subsidiary has also started shipping plastic bodies or enclosures for AirPods to China and Vietnam. Also Read – How to change your Netflix subscription plan

At the moment, Jabil operates an 80,000 square meter facility in Pune that employees around 2,500 workers. Also Read – Apple may launch foldable iPad with a kickstand in 2024

It is worth noting that Apple is increasingly focusing on diversifying its production capabilities outside China to mitigate the impact from its dependence on the country. The move is likely to help the company avoid disruptions owing to the China’s zero-Covid policy that led to the iPhone 14 Pro being available in short supplies during the holiday season in markets around the globe, and the existing geo-political scenario. The company has already put its plan in motion. Last year, the company started manufacturing its iPhone 14 series in India shortly after the production began in China. This number, that is, the percentage of iPhones that it makes in India, is expected to up in the coming years with the company manufacturing almost 25 percent of its iPhones in the country by 2025 and 50 percent of the smartphones by 2027.

Now, a new report says that Apple is looking to manufacture other devices, including AirPods, in India. The report says that while the company is far from manufacturing AirPods in India completely, the company’s Chinese has already received necessary clearances from the Indian government.

As per the report, the Indian government has given initial clearance to more than a dozen of Apple’s Chinese supplies to ramp up their production in the country by partnering with local companies. Luxshare Precision Industry Co Ltd, for instance, is one of Apple’s suppliers that manufactures AirPods and has already got clearance from the Indian government. The company reportedly agreed to purchase a Motorola manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu back in 2020. However, the company is yet to begin production at the plant.

The development comes at a time when the Modi government is increasingly providing financial incentives and other subsidies to companies for manufacturing their devices in the country.

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