Apple to Start AirPods Production in India at Foxconn Plant for Export in April, Report Says

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Apple is reportedly set to begin production of its AirPods at Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility, with manufacturing set to start in April. Initially, the production will be focused on exports, rather than catering to the Indian market. This move is seen as part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing network and reduce its reliance on China. The decision follows Apple’s ongoing efforts to ramp up production in India, where it has been assembling various models of the iPhone 16 series, including the recently launched iPhone 16e.

According to a report by PTI, citing an anonymous industry source, the production of AirPods at the Foxconn plant is expected to begin in April. However, the wireless earphones will initially be produced exclusively for export, with no plans to sell them locally in India at this stage. This will make AirPods the second major Apple product to be assembled in India, joining the iPhone models that have already been manufactured in the country.

The move to assemble AirPods in India is seen as a significant milestone for Apple, marking another step in the company’s diversification strategy. By shifting production to India, Apple is positioning itself to mitigate risks related to its heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing. The geopolitical tensions between China and other countries have raised concerns about the stability of global supply chains, prompting Apple to explore alternatives in other regions, including India.

In addition to Foxconn, other major Apple suppliers like Pegatron and Tata Electronics have also been increasing their presence in India, helping to expand Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the country. This shift not only supports Apple’s goal of reducing dependency on China but also provides a boost to India’s growing role in global electronics manufacturing. As the tech giant continues to invest in Indian production, it’s clear that the country will play an increasingly important role in Apple’s future manufacturing plans.

Apple AirPods May Soon Support Live Conversation Translation With iOS 19 Update

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Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce a live conversation translation feature for its AirPods, enhancing their functionality beyond audio playback. According to a Bloomberg report, the feature will enable real-time translation of in-person conversations by leveraging the processing power of a connected iPhone. This capability mirrors a similar feature found on Google’s Pixel Buds when used with Pixel smartphones. Apple has been steadily expanding AirPods’ accessibility and AI-driven features, previously incorporating hearing aid support and exploring future models with built-in cameras and AI enhancements.

The live translation feature is expected to roll out as part of a software update later this year, aligning with the launch of iOS 19. Sources familiar with Apple’s plans indicate that the update will be available for existing AirPods models, eliminating the need for users to upgrade their hardware to access this functionality. If the reports are accurate, this move could significantly enhance AirPods’ value proposition, positioning them as more than just wireless audio devices.

Functionally, the translation process will rely on the connected iPhone, which will handle the heavy processing required for real-time audio translation. The feature is expected to work by capturing audio from a conversation, translating it using the iPhone’s processor, and then playing the translated speech through the AirPods. Meanwhile, responses from the AirPods user can be translated back and played through the iPhone’s speaker, facilitating seamless multilingual communication.

By integrating live translation into AirPods, Apple aims to further solidify its ecosystem of smart and interconnected devices. If successful, this update could prove to be a game-changer for travelers, professionals, and anyone frequently engaging in multilingual conversations. More details about the feature are expected to emerge when Apple officially unveils iOS 19 later this year.

Global Smartwatch Sales See First Decline in 2024, While Xiaomi Records Strong Growth: Counterpoint

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In 2024, global smartwatch shipments experienced a 7 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline, marking the first drop in sales in recent years, according to a new report from market research firm Counterpoint. Despite the overall downturn, Apple maintained its dominant position in the market, followed closely by Huawei and Samsung in second and third place. However, Apple experienced a significant 19 percent YoY decline in shipments, primarily due to a slowdown in its Apple Watch SE lineup and the lack of new SE model releases.

The drop in Apple’s shipments has had a notable impact on the overall market, but Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei, and Imoo have seen impressive growth in 2024. Xiaomi, in particular, recorded the fastest growth and secured a place among the top five smartwatch vendors for the first time. This surge in sales highlights the growing demand for affordable yet feature-rich smartwatches, a segment where Xiaomi has proven competitive. Huawei also performed strongly, securing second place with a 35 percent YoY growth, bolstered by the popularity of its smartwatch offerings.

Samsung, which has consistently held a top spot in global smartwatch shipments, saw modest growth in 2024, with a 3 percent YoY increase. This growth can be attributed to the success of its recent Galaxy Watch models, including the Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Watch FE. These models have been well-received, helping the South Korean brand maintain its foothold in the market amidst a broader decline in smartwatch sales.

While the overall smartwatch market faced challenges in 2024, the rise of Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Huawei, as well as the continued success of Samsung’s latest models, suggests that the landscape is shifting. With growing competition and evolving consumer preferences, companies will need to innovate and adapt to maintain their positions in this increasingly dynamic market. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see how brands adjust their strategies to meet the demand for smarter, more affordable wearables.