Key Takeaways
- Apple’s Hyderabad facility to double AirPods production capacity
- Target of 200,000 Made-in-India AirPods monthly
- Workforce to grow from 2,000 to 5,000 employees
- Total investment expected to reach ₹4,800 crore
Apple is significantly expanding its AirPods manufacturing operations in India, with Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility set to double production capacity and triple its workforce. The Kongara Kalan plant, which began commercial production in April, is overhauling five production lines and importing machinery from Vietnam to meet growing global demand.
Manufacturing Expansion Details
The Hyderabad facility operated by Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) aims to achieve a monthly production capacity of 200,000 AirPods, up from previous estimates of just over 100,000 units. According to The Economic Times, the plant is receiving machinery from FIT’s Vietnam operations as part of Apple’s supply chain diversification strategy.
One project insider revealed: “This used machinery is coming from FIT’s Vietnam facility. I think one or two lines will be new because they are still expanding.”
Massive Investment and Job Creation
The total commitment for the Telangana project is expected to reach ₹4,800 crore, with over ₹3,000 crore already invested. A source familiar with the development stated, “More than Rs 3,000 crore has already been invested, highlighting the scale and pace of the expansion.”
The workforce expansion is equally impressive. The FIT factory currently employs around 2,000 personnel, with projections indicating this will increase to 5,000 within six to eight months. This aligns with Apple’s commitment to generate 24,000 jobs as part of its long-term investment plan initiated in May 2023.
Strategic Importance for Apple
The Hyderabad expansion supports Apple’s broader manufacturing strategy in India, where the company exported a record $10 billion worth of iPhones in the first half of 2025 – a 75% increase compared to the previous year. The plant’s location, just 15 kilometers from Hyderabad airport, enhances its role as a key audio device manufacturing hub.
The project involves collaboration with Chang Yi Interconnect Technology (India) Pvt Ltd and has received initial investments of $150 million, with approval for an additional $400 million. The facility has successfully navigated supply chain challenges, including a dysprosium shortage caused by China’s export restrictions that eased in August.
With new AirPods models including AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 launching soon, Apple’s expanded Indian manufacturing capacity is positioned to play a crucial role in the company’s global supply chain strategy while supporting local economic development.
