Apple is now producing some of its AirPods Pro models in Vietnam.
As the company looks to diversify its manufacturing processes and reduce its reliance on markets like China, it appears as though Vietnam has been added to the list.
One Apple customer took to Twitter to share that his new order of AirPods Pro has a ‘Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in Vietnam” marker on the exterior casing.
Apple is now selling AirPods Pro models that are Assembled in Vietnam pic.twitter.com/UZWNHtcBi4
— Alireza (@alixrezax) May 20, 2020
According to insiders, Apple has been trialing the production of its AirPods in Vietnam for almost a year, and in December, the company’s suppliers were reportedly looking for help with financing to expand their production line and help Apple manufacture more AirPods.
According to a source at Nikkei, “The mass production of AirPods in Vietnam started as early as in March.
“The Vietnamese officials even granted special permits for a key Apple AirPods assembler to help the company bring in engineers to the country for smooth production during lockdowns.”
The country began easing some of its lockdown restrictions in April.
What’s interesting to note is that Nikkei said production in the country only included the second-generation AirPods and not the AirPods Pro, but now it appears as though the company has expanded its production in the country following a successful trial period.
Apple has used Vietnam in the past for its audio accessories, including its EarPods. This week, it was revealed that Apple will no longer include “free” EarPods with new iPhones, which could be the reason why the company is now using its capacity in Vietnam to produce AirPods and the AirPods Pro, which have proven to be incredibly popular.
Apple is also widely expected to announce new AirPods Studio at its upcoming WWDC20, and rumors suggest that some of the parts are produced in Vietnam.
Are you pleased to see Apple expand its production into other countries? Let us know your thoughts and check back soon for more news and rumors.
