Apple’s Hyderabad Plant Set to Double AirPods Output Under Foxconn’s Expansion Plan

Apple is scaling up its AirPods production in India, marking another major step in its plan to reduce manufacturing dependence on China.

The company’s partner, Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), is preparing to double output at its Hyderabad plant in Kongara Kalan, which began commercial production earlier this year.

Hyderabad Plant to Double Capacity

The Economic Times reports that five existing production lines at the Hyderabad facility will be upgraded, with machinery being relocated from Vietnam to accelerate the expansion. Once completed, the plant is expected to manufacture up to 200,000 AirPods per month, nearly twice its current capacity.

FIT, a subsidiary of Foxconn, handles manufacturing for multiple Apple components, including AirPods, connectors, and cables. The facility’s proximity to Hyderabad International Airport gives it a logistical advantage for exports to markets in the US and Europe, making it an increasingly important node in Apple’s global supply chain.

Strengthening India’s Role in Apple’s Supply Chain

This expansion follows a period of record-breaking production for Apple in India. Between January and June 2025, the company exported $10 billion worth of iPhones, a 75% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Apple’s growing investment signals a deeper confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem and reflects its broader diversification strategy. By shifting key parts of its hardware assembly out of China, Apple aims to make India one of its main global production hubs alongside Vietnam.

Investment and Local Growth

Foxconn Interconnect Technology’s total investment in the Telangana facility is projected to reach ₹4,800 crore, with over ₹3,000 crore already deployed. In addition to upgrading existing production lines, FIT is also setting up two new ones to meet the rising demand for Apple’s next-generation AirPods.

The workforce at the Hyderabad plant is set to grow from 2,000 to nearly 5,000 employees within the next eight months. This expansion contributes to Apple’s larger commitment to job creation in India — part of an initiative that has already supported around 350,000 direct and indirect jobs across its supply chain.

A Broader Push Into India

The Hyderabad expansion complements Apple’s ongoing manufacturing partnerships across India, including plants in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Together, these facilities handle iPhone, component, and accessory assembly for both domestic sales and exports.

By reinforcing its presence through Foxconn and other partners, Apple is positioning India as a long-term production base — one that not only supports local employment but also enhances the company’s global resilience amid shifting trade dynamics.

Via