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

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.

Foxconn to Host EV Seminar in Japan to Attract Automakers

Foxconn (2317.TW) is set to hold an electric vehicle (EV) strategy seminar in Japan on April 9, aiming to strengthen ties with Japanese automakers and suppliers, sources revealed. The event follows Foxconn’s recent deal with Mitsubishi Motors, marking its first EV manufacturing contract with a Japanese brand.

Foxconn’s EV Push

Foxconn, widely known for producing iPhones for Apple and AI servers for Nvidia, has been expanding into the EV market under its Contract Design and Manufacturing Service (CDMS) model. The upcoming seminar aims to deepen understanding of its EV strategy among automakers and suppliers, one source stated.

Jun Seki, Foxconn’s Chief EV Strategy Officer and former Nissan executive, is expected to speak at the event.

Mitsubishi Deal & Industry Impact

Foxconn recently secured an EV manufacturing contract for Mitsubishi Motors, with production aimed at Oceania markets, including Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan. The deal signals a major shift in Japan’s auto industry, which faces rising competition from Chinese EV makers like BYD.

The Mitsubishi contract represents a significant breakthrough for Foxconn’s five-year-old EV initiative, which had previously struggled with failed deals involving Geely and Lordstown Motors. Analysts suggest the agreement validates Foxconn’s EV manufacturing capabilities and enhances its reputation in the automotive industry.

Nvidia to Invest Billions in U.S. Chip Production Over Four Years

Nvidia (NVDA.O) plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S.-made chips and electronics over the next four years, CEO Jensen Huang told the Financial Times. The company expects to spend around $500 billion on electronics during this period, with a substantial portion allocated to domestic manufacturing.

Huang emphasized that the U.S. AI industry could expand more rapidly with support from government policies. His comments come as Nvidia seeks to address investor concerns about demand for its high-cost AI chips, especially following the emergence of China’s DeepSeek chatbot as a potential competitor.

While Nvidia declined to comment on the FT report, Huang stated that the company can now manufacture its latest systems in the U.S. through key suppliers like Taiwanese chipmakers TSMC (2330.TW) and Foxconn (2317.TW). He also noted an increasing competitive threat from China’s Huawei.

Huang highlighted that TSMC’s U.S. investments significantly strengthen Nvidia’s supply chain resilience. Earlier, at Nvidia’s developer conference in California, he told analysts that orders for 3.6 million Blackwell AI chips from four major cloud firms likely underestimate actual demand, as they do not account for customers such as Meta Platforms (META.O), smaller cloud providers, and startups.