Apple supplier Jabil plans to boost AirPods enclosure production in India by adding a second facility in Tamil Nadu. The move supports Apple's efforts to diversify its supply chain beyond China amid rising trade tensions and highlights India's growing role in Apple's manufacturing strategy.
According to the Economic Times, citing sources, Apple supplier Jabil plans to increase sourcing of AirPods enclosures from India by utilizing its upcoming second facility in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. This move aligns with Apple's strategy to diversify suppliers away from China amid trade tensions and tariff uncertainties.
Jabil currently produces AirPods casings at its Pune plant and is expected to finalize plans by July. The company recently met with Tamil Nadu's chief minister, and construction of the new facility is yet to begin. AirPods component manufacturing in India is emerging as a growing sector, with Jabil aiming to lead in this space.
In early 2023, Jabil began producing AirPods plastic casings in Pune, India, which were then sent to assembly plants in China and Vietnam. This was Apple's first step toward building an AirPods supply chain in India. By August 2023, Foxconn planned a US$400 million investment in a Hyderabad factory for AirPods production, aiming to start mass production by December 2024. In March 2025, it was confirmed that assembly at Foxconn's Hyderabad plant would begin in April 2025, with the initial products destined for export.
The decision to manufacture AirPods in India aligns with Apple's broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. This diversification aims to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. The move also underscores India's growing significance as a manufacturing hub for Apple's product lineup.
India was mentioned nearly as often as China on the latest post-earnings call, highlighting its growing significance. Apple currently manufactures 20% of its iPhones in India and plans to import most US-bound iPhones from there by the end of next year.
Article edited by Jack Wu
