Apple To Manufacture Only AirPods In India: Report

Apple is likely to start making only AirPods in India and may not manufacture iPads and Mac personal computers (PCs) in the country.

With Apple's biggest supplier and contract manufacturer Foxconn investing $500 million in a manufacturing facility in the Indian state of Telangana, the tech giant is likely to start making only AirPods here and may not manufacture iPads and Mac personal computers (PCs) in the country, says a report by The Economic Times.

There have been rumours that the tech giant is likely to begin locally producing all its major products in India.

"While the finer details of Apple manufacturing were not discussed during Cook's visit, Apple has not expressed interest in making Mac PCs here (in India)," an official was quoted as saying in a previous ET report.

Apple partner Foxconn's investment in Telangana is likely to give way to 25,000 jobs in the first phase, Telangana's IT minister KT Rama Rao announced on Twitter.

"Demonstrating the “Telangana Speed”, I am happy to announce the groundbreaking of first of Foxconn’s plants in Telangana at Kongar Kalaan today With an investment of over $500M it shall create 25,000 direct jobs in first Phase #Telangana #Foxconn," the minister announced.

According to a press statement: “The Government of Telangana’s unwavering commitment to fostering a favourable business environment has enabled Foxconn Interconnect Technology to invest and grow in the State."

To recall, chairman of Foxconn, Young Liu, in a letter addressed to Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao in March, confirmed the commitment of Foxconn to set up its plant in Kongar Kalan and sought the state's support. 

The Taiwanese electronics major had said it is committed to set up a manufacturing facility in Kongara Kalan in Telangana. Liu and his team met Rao, Telangana Ministers, and other senior officials in Hyderabad last week. "As discussed with you (Telangana CM) during our meeting on March 2, Foxconn is committed to setting up a manufacturing facility in Kongara Kalan and I seek the support of your team in operationlising the Kongara Kalan park as early as possible," Liu said in the letter.