Apple Considers Starting iPad Production in India

Apple is considering restarting iPad production in India, Money Control reports, citing anonymous sources familiar with the company’s plans. This renewed interest is reportedly being fueled by the Indian government’s initiatives to attract more manufacturing supply chains to the country. The Cupertino-based tech giant could soon begin looking for a new manufacturing partner in India.

It is worth noting that Apple’s previous attempt to partner with Chinese company BYD to produce iPads in India failed due to government-imposed restrictions stemming from geopolitical issues.

“BYD was almost ready to set up an iPad plant in India, but the clearance was an issue and the situation has changed significantly. Now we are trying to help (Apple) expand further so that it grows in the next two to three years. There will be significant growth,” a senior source told Moneycontrol.

The developments indicate that Apple remains keen to diversify its manufacturing base and tap into India’s growing technology sector, while also aligning with the central government’s efforts to boost local manufacturing of electronics devices.

The tech giant is currently expanding its manufacturing operations in India, with a special focus on increasing iPhone production. At the same time, the iPhone maker is also working on increasing production of AirPods charging case components in the country. This expansion includes a partnership with Jabil, a US-based multinational contract manufacturer that also makes 4G and 5G equipment for Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications company.

Apple is considering partnering with Jabil Inc. in Pune or Foxconn to achieve its goal of increasing local production. As part of its expansion strategy, Apple also plans to manufacture its truly wireless stereo (TWS) AirPods in India, and production could begin as early as next year, the report added.

The move would further diversify Apple’s product manufacturing in the country beyond iPhones and components. These plans, if implemented, would mean a significant expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India, potentially covering a wider range of popular products.