Apple to begin AirPods production in India for exports
What's the story
Apple will start producing its AirPods in India, at the Foxconn facility in Hyderabad, from April.
This move, according to industry sources, is Apple's second manufacturing venture in India after iPhones, PTI reports.
The upcoming AirPods production will be limited to exports, at least initially.
In August 2023, Foxconn had approved a $400 million (around ₹3,500 crore) investment to set up the factory.
Market dominance
Apple leads global TWS market with significant market share
Apple has become a leader in the global True Wireless Stereo (TWS) space, with a whopping 23.1% market share in 2024, as per Canalys.
The number is nearly three times higher than its nearest rival, Samsung, which has an estimated 8.5% market share.
The move to manufacture AirPods in India comes amid speculation of possible production cuts after reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump and Apple's recent $500 billion investment plan in US manufacturing units over four years.
Duty disparity
India and US's contrasting import duties on hearables
India levies a 20% import duty on hearables and wearables, but there's no such tax in the US.
Now, the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has proposed that waiving off these import duties could work in India's favor.
The proposal comes in the wake of Trump administration's plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries, including India, from April 2 onward.